The 311th ESC conducts Equal Opportunity Leadership Training

Photo By Capt. Fernando Ochoa | Patricia Burns, 311th ESC equal opportunity program manager, helped instruct soldiers from six different U.S. Army Reserve units that journeyed from many states, including Texas, Ohio and Indiana, to March Air Reserve Base in Riverside Feb. 28 through March 7.  

RIVERSIDE, CA, UNITED STATES

03.07.2014

Story by 1st Lt. Fernando Ochoa 

311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command   

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command conducted Equal Opportunity Leadership training on March Air Reserve Base in Riverside Feb. 28 through March 7 to soldiers from six different U.S. Army Reserve units that journeyed from many states, including Texas, Ohio and Indiana.

According to U.S. Army regulations, equal opportunity leaders (EOLs) will assist commanders at the battalion-level or equivalent and below in carrying out the Equal Opportunity Program within their units.

EOLs serve a special duty at small unit level. Commanders must appoint EOLs in their units who are members of the chain of command in the rank of sergeant promotable through first lieutenant.

"Equal Opportunity is a combat multiplier so that commanders can ensure the fair treatment to all military personnel and families from within their own ranks," said Patricia Burns, 311th ESC equal opportunity program manager. "The role of the EOL is not just a duty position but a way of life in order to ensure that we have equality, fairness and diversity for everyone.”

The EOL program is a two-week course with a curriculum that develops a base of knowledge and skills that allow graduates to assess human relations climates in the organizations they serve, and to provide advice and assistance to commanders to prevent, reduce, or eliminate discriminatory practices.

“This course helps support the Army values by providing soldiers the required training and knowledge about being an EO unit representative and helps sustain mission by creating a friendly, non-hostile work environment,” said Sgt. 1st Class Christine M. Kruise, 326th Financial Management Command financial management manager. “I feel that I have a better understanding on how the EOL program works and to help prevent potential hostile environment in my unit.”

The EOL course uses a building-block concept that studies progress from communications to individual and group behavior, through studies of major ethnic groups, aspects of power and discrimination, EO adviser skills, and conclude with service specific studies.

Brig. Gen. Scottie Carpenter, 311th ESC commanding general, attended the last day and congratulated the graduates of the EOL course. He emphasized the importance of this program and the value they now gave their units.

• Date Taken: 03.07.2014
• Date Posted: 03.08.2014 12:54
• Story ID: 121723
• Location: RIVERSIDE, CA, US