EO Program

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Equal Opportunity – What is it?

This country was founded on the basic values of freedom, dignity, respect, and opportunity for all.  In an ongoing struggle to ensure that these rights are enjoyed by all citizens, we must continue to educate ourselves and our soldiers on the importance of equal opportunity.  Through this education we can better appreciate the cultural diversity that has helped make the country great.  Through education we can create an environment in which soldiers can excel.

Equal opportunity and treatment are given to all soldiers, their families, and Department of the Army (DA) civilians.  This is done without regard to race, color, gender, religion, or national origin.  To uphold this policy, the chain of command has a continuing challenge; it must provide a command climate that fosters attitudes and behavior about equal opportunity which lead to cohesion and mission accomplishment.

Values, attitudes, and prejudices gained before enlistment or commissioning do not automatically dissolve or change when someone puts on an Army uniform.  Too often these values, attitudes and prejudices can lead to the misunderstanding, frustration and suspicion of others.  Knowing and accepting this will help you understand the impact of EO training on command climate.

A positive, proactive EO environment helps units’ effectiveness.  It promotes morale, teamwork, and results in a high degree of unit cohesion and esprit de corps.  People perform most efficiently in an atmosphere free of intergroup friction and discord.  Therefore, a healthy EO environment is a key factor in developing and maintaining unit readiness.