Photo By Spc. Carlynn Knaak | The recent graduates of the Equal Opportunity Leader class pose for a class photo...... read more read more
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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - "Equal Opportunity is the foundation of our value system. It is designed to support the values we have in order to complete our missions," said Army Master Sgt. Leonard J. Pimentel, Equal Opportunity Advisor for Joint Task Force Guantanamo.
For 13 members of U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Joint Task Force Guantanamo and U.S. Southern Command, learning how EO impacts their environment was a key element in their training as EO Leaders.
The military's EO program is the basis for fair and balanced treatment of all members of the military and their family members. Its mission statement states, "The Equal Opportunity program formulates, directs, and sustains a comprehensive effort to maximize human potential to ensure fair treatment for military personnel, family members, without regard to race, color, gender, religion, or national origin, and provide an environment free of unlawful discrimination and offensive behavior."
Each unit commander is responsible for enforcing the EO policy. EOLs are responsible for implementing the commander's program and EOAs are advisors to the commanders who can initiate and help process formal and informal EO complaints.
After the 60-hour class, each EOL will return to their unit to implement their commander's intent for the EO program through training, being a subject matter expert and a "watchdog" in the unit to uphold the EO policy.
"After this class I will be able to set a standard for JTF Troopers and help facilitate EO here on Gitmo," said Army Sgt. Brandin Schumann, a New Mexico Army National Guardsman and newly trained EOL. "I know now how to access the situation and understand when there is an EO violation what my role is."
Pimentel, who ran the EOL class here, stresses that the best way to handle most EO violations is through on-the-spot corrections. Also, when EO training is done regularly, Troopers are reminded of the policy and how it affects their work environment.
"I believe in a fair and honest system, which does not discriminate, where Soldiers get the opportunities they deserve" said Pimentel. "Young people see the military as an opportunity, as a way to get away from home; I'm here to make sure they get those opportunities."
During the EOL class, held at Columbia College, Troopers participated in small group activities where they were asked to share their feelings on several training scenarios focused on identifying their values systems. By bringing out personal opinions and values, Troopers could experience the challenges of being third-party-neutrals, something that they will be required to do as EOLs.
"This class showed me how people view different issues and how to communicate more effectively," said Army Staff Sgt. Ingrid Ryan, a new EOL. "I will know how to take my perspective out of the situation and be a true third-party-neutral in EOL situations."
After the completion of the class, most Troopers agreed that while the class brought up some uncomfortable discussions, it was a class they would encourage everyone to go through.
"I really enjoyed [the class] and it helped me become a better person through improving my listening skills and recognizing my values on things," said Ryan. "It's a great class for anyone to go through."
| Date Taken: | 08.15.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 08.18.2008 09:53 |
| Story ID: | 22614 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 238 |
| Downloads: | 191 |
This work, Equal Opportunity Leaders - Trained to Make a Difference, by MAJ Gretel Weiskopf, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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