Third Army holds equal opportunity leaders course

Photo By Sgt. Jason Daniels | Graduates of the equal opportunity leaders’ course celebrate as they complete training on how to deal with issues regarding religion, race, gender, color and national origin. The equal opportunity leaders course was held at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, July 18-25 to teach soldiers about diversity in the Army.  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

08.03.2012

Story by Sgt. Jason Daniels 

12th Public Affairs Detachment   

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - The equal opportunity leaders course was held at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, July 18-25 to teach soldiers about diversity in the Army.

The class, which is held four times a year, taught 31 soldiers how to deal with issues regarding religion, race, gender, color and national origin.

“They [soldiers] get to know themselves, which helps them understand other people, cultures and their differences, so they can implement the program, support the commander and their policies,” said Sgt. 1st Class Federico Molinar, Area Support Group-Kuwait equal opportunity adviser. “To help someone you have to understand yourself.”

Soldiers from across the area Third Army/ARCENT area of responsibility joined together at Camp Arifjan to attend the course, which was open to all branches of service as well as civilians.

The equal opportunity leaders course is a highly-demanded course in the area of responsibility and is scheduled a year in advance, Molinar said.

“I already have requests for the next class, and this class is not even over yet,” said Molinar. “Aside from the commanders needing an EO representative, most soldiers volunteer because they want the experience.”

Topics briefed included ideology of extremists, and how they impact the Army’s equal opportunity program; sexual harassment and its impact on human resources in the military; and the concept of racism and its impact on individuals, units, mission accomplishment and Army readiness.

“Some of the topics I learned in the EO class did hit home for me,” said Master Sgt. Shauna Flowers, noncommissioned officer in charge of Army Prepositioned Stock 5, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait Battalion. “I am from a small town in Mississippi and I grew up with a lot of racism. But, being in this class has taught me to be more open-minded about the subject and not to get angry or upset when I hear something about racism.”

The soldiers participated in role-playing exercises that were critiqued by their peers, on maintaining a neutral mindset when dealing with equal opportunity concerns, said Master Sgt. John Melada, equal opportunity adviser, 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command.

“There are a lot of issues that are unknown and pushed under the carpet,” said 1st Lt. Courtney Hampson, executive officer, 516th Movement Control Team.

“Being in this course made me realize that the way people act around others can affect or offend someone, even with minor issues.”

Hampson said she learned that addressing soldiers by their rank really means something to them.

“I think it is uplifting to call our soldiers by their title. If we have to call an officer by their title or a NCO by their title, we should do the same for our Soldiers,” said Hampson.

Melada said having an equal opportunity representative is very important; soldiers can focus more on the mission, knowing that they have someone to talk to about their issues, rather than being stressed about unfair treatment.

To attend the course, soldiers must be a sergeant (promotable) through first lieutenant. Warrant officers may also attend the course.

“The reason we want a sergeant [promotable] is because of the maturity and experience of being a leader. Also, you want a NCO because they are approachable by soldiers. There is more faith from the Soldiers that they have knowledge,” said Molinar.

The course affects each soldier differently. Past experiences and practical exercises can elicit feelings that may have been buried deep within a person’s thoughts. These emotions come to light and open the eyes of these soldiers to help them become better EO leaders and mentors, said Molinar.

The next class is scheduled to begin Oct. 18. For more information about the equal opportunity leaders course at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, visit www.arcent.army.mil or www.facebook.com/PattonsOwn.

• Date Taken: 08.03.2012
• Date Posted: 08.07.2012 04:35
• Story ID: 92763
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW