Chapter 2: The Army’s EO Policy and Program

Question 1

Why was the Army’s Equal Opportunity Program created?

Answer 1

The Army’s Equal Opportunity Program was created in response to violent confrontations between racial and ethnic groups at posts and installations in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Question 2

What were the main issues identified in reports and surveys regarding the need for the EO Program?

Answer 2

The main issues were actual or perceived discrimination, low morale, and significant communication failures across racial lines.

Question 3

What is the purpose of the MEO Program?

Answer 3

The purpose is to maximize human potential and ensure fair treatment for all Soldiers based solely on merit, performance, and potential in support of readiness.

Question 4

On what is the MEO philosophy based?

Answer 4

The MEO philosophy is based on fairness, justice, and equity.

Question 5

What are the goals of the MEO Program?

Answer 5

The goals include building a cohesive, combat-ready Army, ensuring MEO exists for all Soldiers, treating every Soldier with dignity and respect, and supporting commanders and MEO professionals.

Question 6

What environment does the Army strive to provide according to EO Policy?

Answer 6

The Army strives to provide an environment free of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and intimidation based on race, color, sex (including gender identity and pregnancy), national origin, religion, or sexual orientation.

Question 7

What actions are prohibited under EO Policy?

Answer 7

Prohibited actions include retaliation against those who file complaints, knowingly making false accusations, and condoning or ignoring discrimination or harassment.

Question 8

What is color discrimination?

Answer 8

Color discrimination occurs when an individual is treated differently based on the lightness, darkness, or tone of their skin.

Question 9

What is sex discrimination?

Answer 9

Sex discrimination occurs when an individual is deprived of an opportunity because of their sex or when decisions are based on stereotypes about abilities and traits.

Question 10

What is racial discrimination?

Answer 10

Racial discrimination occurs when an individual is treated differently because of their racial group, characteristics, or association with someone of a particular race.

Question 11

What is religious discrimination?

Answer 11

Religious discrimination occurs when an individual is treated more or less favorably because of their religious beliefs or practices.

Question 12

What is national origin discrimination?

Answer 12

National origin discrimination occurs when an individual is treated less favorably because of their ethnicity, origin, accent, or perceived nationality.

Question 13

What is sexual orientation discrimination?

Answer 13

Sexual orientation discrimination occurs based on one’s emotional or physical attraction to the same and/or opposite sex.

Question 14

What is discrimination?

Answer 14

Discrimination is the act, policy, or procedure that arbitrarily denies EO based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, or sexual orientation.

Question 15

What are disparaging terms?

Answer 15

Disparaging terms are terms used to degrade, belittle, or insult based on race, color, sex, national origin, or religion, contributing to a hostile work environment.

Question 16

What is diversity in the Army?

Answer 16

Diversity in the Army includes the different attributes, experiences, and backgrounds of Soldiers, DA Civilians, and Family members that enhance the Army’s capabilities.

Question 17

What is equal opportunity?

Answer 17

Equal opportunity is the right of all persons to participate in and benefit from programs and activities free from social, personal, or institutional barriers based on individual merit, performance, and potential.

Question 18

What are commanders responsible for under the Army Harassment Prevention and Response Program?

Answer 18

Commanders are responsible for preventing and appropriately responding to incidents of discrimination, promoting a positive command climate, and enforcing MEO policies.

Question 19

What constitutes online misconduct?

Answer 19

Online misconduct is the use of electronic communication to inflict harm, including hazing, bullying, harassment, and discriminatory harassment.

Question 20

What should Army personnel apply when using electronic communication devices?

Answer 20

Army personnel should apply “Think, Type, and Post”: think about the message, type a communication consistent with Army values, and post messages demonstrating dignity and respect.

Question 21

Who is responsible for facilitating MEO and Harassment Prevention and Response training?

Answer 21

MEO professionals currently serving in an authorized MEO billet and EOLs on appointment orders are responsible for facilitating the training

Question 22

What type of training is required annually for MEO and Harassment Prevention and Response?

Answer 22

Mandatory, interactive, and discussion-based training is required annually and must be documented in training schedules and the Digital Training Management System.

Question 23

What is the purpose of the EOLC?

Answer 23

The EOLC trains students to become EOLs, providing the minimum training required to fulfill their duties and responsibilities.

Question 24

When must Soldiers identified to serve as EOLs complete the course?

Answer 24

Soldiers must complete the course prior to being assigned as an EOL.

Question 25

What is the purpose of Army Heritage Month?

Answer 25

The purpose is to promote Army values, foster a culture of equity and inclusion, recognize diversity, and celebrate the Army’s Heritage and Birthday.

Question 26

When is Army Heritage Month conducted annually?

Answer 26

Army Heritage Month is conducted annually during the month of June.

Question 27

What is the purpose of the Command Climate Assessment (CCA)?

Answer 27

The CCA assists commanders and senior responsible officials in assessing their organizational climate and making recommendations for improvements.

Question 28

How is the anonymity of individuals submitting a survey protected?

Answer 28

Procedures are in place to protect the anonymity of respondents and the confidentiality of the results.