Peer-to-Peer Influence in the Prevention of Harmful Behaviors

Over the past few years, the Army has been updating and developing policies and directives to better prevent harmful behaviors. Since 2020, a few committees and commissions have done a deep dive into harmful behaviors within the DOD and the Army to find more effective methods aimed at tackling these behaviors.

The DOD Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military was established to boldly address sexual harassment and sexual assault in the force. The IRC made recommendations related to accountability, prevention, climate, culture, victim care and support. The Army developed a plan to incorporate the recommendations, and since then, many of the recommendations have been implemented. Other recommendations are slowly being included based on a predetermined timeline.

Also, the Fort Hood Independent Review Committee examined the command climate and culture at Fort Hood and the surrounding military community to determine whether these locations reflect the Army's commitment to safety, respect, inclusiveness, diversity and freedom from sexual harassment.

Currently, the DOD Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee is in the process of assessing suicide prevention and response in the military and is expected to send its initial report to the Secretary of Defense by Dec. 20, 2022. Once the Secretary of Defense reviews and approves the report, the committee will appear before Congress by Feb. 18, 2023.

Outside of DOD- and Army-level initiatives, leaders and peers can influence others by facilitating a strong Army culture and healthy command climates to prevent harmful behaviors. Soldiers spend a lot of time with their peers, so the importance of educating and having resources readily available can be key to preventing harmful behaviors in most situations.

The Total Army Sponsorship Program also promotes peer-to-peer influence through more formal means. TASP facilitates the successful reception and integration of Soldiers and Families into their units, installations, facilities and communities.

TASP ensures incoming Soldiers are assigned sponsors before reporting to their next duty stations. Obtaining a sponsor reduces the stress of reporting to a new unit, enhances resiliency and improves readiness among Soldiers and Family members. A good sponsor can promote the following:

  • Successful adjustment of newcomers.
  • Improved morale.
  • Well-being.
  • Adaptation to a new assignment (mission, location, environment).
  • Success of the mission.

For sponsors to prepare to execute their sponsorship duties, they can ensure they understand all local standard operating procedures, have phone rosters for unit leadership and on-post resources and assist new Soldiers by establishing appointments for less stressful transitions.

Peers can influence one another to perform better during physical training or to work harder in order to get promoted ahead of, or along with peers.

These are two ways Soldiers work to achieve more and be better team members.

Using the principles of achievement can also influence the unit climate. Having Soldiers who are motivated and thriving can contribute to healthy units.

According to the Army People Strategy, Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Annex, effective prevention requires a comprehensive approach that leverages multiple reinforcing prevention activities in a coordinated way to address individual, interpersonal and organizational factors that contribute to sexual assault. This approach includes combining activities that foster professional organizational climates and peer norms with those that build personal and interpersonal skills.

The expert goes on to state that primary prevention activities must be compatible and consistent to strengthen outcomes.

The Army Resilience Directorate’s program Step Up for Your Brother addresses sexual harassment and sexual assault prevention and is intended for the male population.

The campaign simply states that Soldiers can create an environment where sexual violence is not tolerated. What will you do to step up for your brother? This messaging speaks directly to Soldiers to be active participants in preventing harmful behaviors.

Another ARD program, Let’s Talk. I’m Listening, encourages peer-to-peer mentorship. This campaign encourages Soldiers to reach out to their battle buddies when they see them struggling with substance misuse. Peers facilitating discussions on substance misuse can be highly effective due to their proximity in daily interactions.

There’s not just one solution to prevent harmful behaviors. However, if Soldiers stay vigilant for themselves and those around them, they can be a contributing factor in promoting a healthy climate focused on mission readiness.

Learn more. Check out these ARD resources: