Equal Opportunity (EO)

The Military Equal Opportunity (MEO) Program formulates, directs, and sustains a comprehensive effort to maximize human potential and to ensure fair treatment for all soldiers based solely on merit, performance, and potential in support of readiness.  MEO philosophy is based on fairness, justice, and equity.  The United States Military Academy will ensure equal opportunity and fair treatment for all cadets, soldiers, and family members, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (gender identity), or sexual orientation and provide an environment free of unlawful discrimination and offensive behavior. 

Unlawful discrimination in any form will not be condoned, practiced, or tolerated either on or off post during both duty and non-duty hours, and this encompasses working, living, and recreational environments.  All individuals have the right to file MEO complaints under conditions set forth in AR 600-20,Chapter 6.  Complaints of wrongdoing made by soldiers against their command pursuant to Title 10 U.S.C. Sub A Part II Chapter 47-UCMJ § 938 Art. 138 Complaints of wrongs should be prepared, submitted, and resolved following the guidance in AR 27-10, Chapter 20.  Complaints or accusations that fall within the Military Whistleblower Protection Act, 10 U.S.C. 1034, are addressed in DoDD 7050.6 and AR 20-1. 

A complaint must be based on the belief that the aggrieved person was discriminated against because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (to include gender identity and pregnancy), or sexual orientation.

EO FUNCTIONS

COMPLAINTS

Anonymous Complaint: A complaint in which the complainant remains unidentified, and the complaint may be handled as either informal or formal and entered in the MEO database as such.  The commander will determine if sufficient information is provided to proceed as either an informal or formal complaint.  The commander will be identified as the complainant unless, during the process of the anonymous complaint, the identity of the actual complainant is revealed, and then the database and complaint information will be updated to reflect those changes.

Informal Complaint:  A complaint in which the soldier, cadet, or family member does not wish to file in writing on a DA Form 7279 (Equal Opportunity and Harassment Complaint Form).  Informal complaints may be resolved directly by the complainant addressing the offending party, a peer, another person in or outside the complainant's chain of command or NCO chain of command, or the MEO professional.  Informal complaints may be resolved through problem identification and clarification issues, discussions, recognitions of inappropriate or misleading behavior, and a willingness to change.  Actions and resolutions taken with others before involving commanders or MEO professionals are not tracked in the MEO database nor reviewed by the MEO professionals.  When practical, an informal complaint should be resolved within 60 calendar days.

Formal Complaint: A complaint in which the complainant files in writing using a DA Form 7279 (Equal Opportunity and Harassment Complaint Form completed by MEO) and swears to the accuracy of the information.  Formal complaints require specific actions, are subject to timelines, and require documentation of the actions taken.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY REPRESENTATIVES

USMA EO Program Manager:  LTC Tod A. Addison, servicing USMA staff and faculty, West Point Garrison, and tenants service members

USMA EO Advisor:  MSG Andrew M. Baumgartner, servicing USMA staff and faculty, USMAPS and Fort Hamilton service members

USCC EO Advisor:  SFC George W. Koches, servicing USCC Cadets, USCC staff and faculty service members