Courtesy Photo | 1st Lt. Theresa A. Hunt and Army Sgt. Michael Chesney prepare for an Equal Opportunity...... read more read more
Subscribe
By Marine Staff Sgt. Luis P. Valdespino Jr.
Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan Public Affairs
HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. military equal opportunity advisers in Kabul, Afghanistan, teamed up from March 17 to 21 to train 15 unit representatives at Camp Phoenix.
The Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan and the Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix VI EOAs coordinated the classroom instruction of an equal opportunity leader course that is normally taught only in the United States. Six CSTC-A EOLs from Camp Eggers and nine CJTF Phoenix VI EOLs attended the weeklong course.
"When we came into theater, people were assigned (as EOLs), but they had no training," said Master Chief Petty Officer Bennie G. Gloria, the CSTC-A EOA. Military regulations require all personnel to attend the course in order to be assigned as EOLs.
There is an apparent shortage of trained EOLs in theater, said Gloria.
So instead of trying to send the unit representatives to the United States for training, Gloria teamed with Army Lt. Col. Danny L. Hammond, the CJTF Phoenix VI EOA, to organize a class in Afghanistan that could certify EOLs.
Gloria said he and Hammond contacted the Equal Opportunity Proponents Office, at Fort Jackson, Fla., for authorization and classroom materials.
"We were just wanting to ensure warriors have (trained) equal opportunity leaders all throughout the task force in case they're needed," said Hammond.
Since the Afghan theater is a joint service environment, they agreed to incorporate training from all the services.
Gloria said the challenge was convincing the various directorate and unit commanders to allow their EOLs to remain at Camp Phoenix for six days.
The leadership saw value and allowed key leaders to attend.
"That's saying a lot for leadership. They recognize that (equal opportunity) is a top priority," said Gloria.
The course is intended to give EOLs the basic EO information to include insight into social issues, attitudes and behaviors and guidance on performing the duties of an EOL, explained Gloria.
"It's a lot better than I thought it would be - a lot more educational," said Army Staff Sgt. Jose L. Medina, EOL for Afghan Regional Security Integration Command South.
Medina said the classroom participation ensured the students gained an enhanced understanding of the material.
Petty Officer 1st Class Mussie G. Tekie, the CSTC-A Command Surgeon's office EOL, said he also found the discussions especially beneficial.
Tekie, a 17-year Navy veteran and a native of Ethiopia, said some view EO-related issues as simple or minor, but the same issues might be serious to others.
During the training, "students learn how to resolve issues and conflicts via an informal process - they can mediate," said Gloria.
Although this is the first class of its kind in theater that Gloria and Hammond were associated with, Gloria said he hopes to hold it quarterly for new EOLs.
| Date Taken: | 03.25.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 03.25.2008 14:43 |
| Story ID: | 17728 |
| Location: | AF |
| Web Views: | 333 |
| Downloads: | 300 |
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT