Overview Task- Describe the Army’s Equal Opportunity (EO) Program. Conditions- In a classroom environment. Standards- Correctly describe the components of the Army’s EO Program Target Audience- Leaders and soldiers at all levels.

The Army’s Equal Opportunity (EO) Program

Purpose Formulates, directs, and sustains a comprehensive effort to maximize human potential and to ensure fair treatment for all persons based solely on merit, fitness, and capability in support of readiness.

EO Philosophy Based on fairness, justice, and equity. Commanders are responsible for sustaining a positive climate within their units. Commanders are responsible for sustaining a positive EO climate within their units.

References AR DA Pam 350-2

Key Topics of Discussion Program Definitions Policy Responsibilities Procedures EO Representatives Summary Questions

Policy The U.S. Army will provide EO and fair treatment for military personnel and family members without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, and provide an environment free of unlawful discrimination and offensive behavior.

Policy Applies on and off post to include duty and non-duty hours. Soldiers will not be accessed, classified, trained, assigned, promoted, or otherwise managed on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, or national origin.

Definitions Discrimination- Any action that unlawfully or unjustly results in unequal treatment of persons or groups based on race, color, gender, national origin, or religion. Disparaging terms- Terms used to degrade or connote negative statements pertaining to race, color, gender, national origin, or religion. May be expressed as verbal statements, printed material, visual material, signs, symbols, posters, or insignia. The use of these terms constitutes unlawful discrimination.

Definitions Equal opportunity- The right of all persons to participate in, and benefit from, programs and activities for which they are qualified. Prejudice- A negative feeling or dislike based upon a faulty or inflexible generalization (that is, prejudging a person or group without knowledge or facts).

Rights Soldiers, family members and DA civilians have the right to Present a complaint to the command without fear of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment. Communicate with the commander concerning their complaints. Receive assistance when submitting a complaint. Receive training on the Army’s EO complaint and appeals process.

Individual Responsibility Advising the command of any incidents of sexual harassment and unlawful discrimination Submitting only legitimate complaints Attempt to resolve complaints, by informing the alleged offender of the behavior

Equal Opportunity Representatives Battalion HHC Co A (-)