Military Review English Edition March-April 2015 | Page 31

CAN TRUST BE RESTORED?

(Photo by Michael L. Lewis, NCO Journal)

An instructor teaches a class on facilitation techniques during the Sexual Harassment Assault/Response and Prevention (SHARP) pilot
course, 22 April 2014.

credibility, which then enables the teacher to demonstrate competence as a subject matter expert to build
student confidence and trust in him or her.
One of the greatest credibility builders in the
armed forces is the uniform.11 For men and women
initially entering the all-volunteer armed forces, there
is a built-in respect for the uniform that clearly identifies a branch of service and reveals rank, expertise,
and excellence. Although many new recruits may not
understand the significance of each patch or bar on the
uniform, they immediately understand that the color,
shape, number of stripes, and number of decorations
indicate experience and position. It is instant credibility
for any instructor.
A student measures an instructor’s credibility
based upon what he or she hears and sees based upon
the uniform and the bearing of the instructor. This
evaluation is not a gut reaction but a careful, informal
thought process and, as result, an intellectual decision.
A student sizes up the instructor and course material
very quickly. This sizing up is accomplished through
thought. Students evaluate the instructor, the location
of training, and the quality of materials, and they make
MILITARY REVIEW  March-April 2015

a judgment. I