The Truth About Army Equal Opportunity Regulation AR 600-20 Will Surprise You: A Beginner's Guide

Understanding Army Regulation 600-20, specifically Chapter 6, which deals with Equal Opportunity (EO), is crucial for fostering a positive and inclusive environment within the military. While many perceive EO as a simple set of rules, a deeper dive reveals its complexities and far-reaching implications. This guide will walk you through understanding AR 600-20, Chapter 6, providing actionable steps and insights to help you navigate its provisions and contribute to a more equitable Army.

Why This Guide Matters:

This guide isn't just about compliance; it's about understanding how AR 600-20 impacts morale, unit cohesion, and overall mission effectiveness. By understanding the regulation, you can:

  • Identify and address potential EO violations: Recognizing subtle forms of discrimination or harassment is the first step toward prevention.

  • Become a proactive advocate for a fair and inclusive environment: Contribute to a unit culture where everyone feels valued and respected.

  • Understand your rights and responsibilities: Know what to do if you experience or witness discrimination or harassment.

  • Improve your leadership skills: Effective leaders understand the importance of EO and create a positive command climate.

    • Prerequisites:

  • Basic understanding of military terminology: Familiarity with ranks, units, and common military acronyms will be helpful.

  • Access to the internet or a printed copy of AR 600-20: This regulation is publicly available online through the Army Publishing Directorate.

  • Open mind and willingness to learn: This topic can be sensitive, and approaching it with an open mind is crucial for understanding and applying the information.

    • Tools:

  • AR 600-20 (Army Command Policy): Specifically, Chapter 6, Equal Opportunity.

  • Notebook and pen or digital note-taking tool: For taking notes and tracking key information.

  • Highlighter or digital highlighting tool: For marking important sections of the regulation.

  • Access to your unit's EO representative (EOA/EO Advisor): They are valuable resources for clarification and guidance.

    • Step-by-Step Guide:

    Step 1: Access and Familiarize Yourself with AR 600-20, Chapter 6.

  • Action: Go to the Army Publishing Directorate website (apd.army.mil) and search for "AR 600-20." Download the most current version. Navigate to Chapter 6, titled "Equal Opportunity."

  • Why: This is the foundation of your understanding. Reading the actual regulation is essential.

  • Pro Tip: Bookmark this page or save the document for easy access.

    • Step 2: Understand the Core Principles of Equal Opportunity.

  • Action: Focus on paragraphs 6-1 through 6-5. These sections outline the Army's EO policy, its goals, and the definitions of key terms like discrimination, harassment, and reprisal.

  • Why: This provides the philosophical and legal basis for the regulation. Understanding these principles is crucial for applying the regulation correctly.

  • Key takeaway: EO is about providing equal opportunity and fair treatment based on merit, fitness, and capability, regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity), national origin, or sexual orientation.

    • Step 3: Identify Prohibited Behaviors.

  • Action: Carefully review paragraphs 6-6 through 6-9. These sections detail specific behaviors that constitute discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), and reprisal. Pay close attention to examples provided.

  • Why: Knowing what constitutes a violation is critical for preventing and reporting incidents.

  • Key takeaway: These behaviors can range from blatant acts of discrimination to subtle forms of harassment, creating a hostile environment. Reprisal for reporting EO violations is strictly prohibited.

    • Step 4: Understand the Complaint Process.

  • Action: Focus on paragraphs 6-10 through 6-14. These sections outline the formal and informal complaint processes, timelines, and reporting procedures.

  • Why: Knowing how to report an EO violation is crucial for both victims and witnesses.

  • Key takeaway: There are formal and informal channels for addressing EO complaints. Understanding the timelines and procedures is essential for ensuring a fair and timely resolution. Remember the importance of documenting everything.

    • Step 5: Learn About Leader Responsibilities.

  • Action: Review paragraphs 6-15 through 6-18. These sections detail the responsibilities of commanders and leaders at all levels in promoting EO and addressing violations.

  • Why: Leaders are responsible for creating and maintaining a positive command climate where EO is valued and upheld.

  • Key takeaway: Leaders must actively promote EO, investigate complaints thoroughly, and take appropriate corrective action.

    • Step 6: Identify Your Unit's Equal Opportunity Representative (EOA/EO Advisor).

  • Action: Find out who your unit's EOA/EO Advisor is and their contact information.

  • Why: They are a valuable resource for information, guidance, and assistance with EO matters.

  • Pro Tip: Introduce yourself to your EOA/EO Advisor and understand their role within the unit.

    • Step 7: Participate in EO Training.

  • Action: Attend all required EO training sessions and actively participate in discussions.

  • Why: Training provides a deeper understanding of EO principles and helps to identify and prevent violations.

  • Pro Tip: Ask questions and engage with the material to maximize your learning.

    • Step 8: Practice Applying Your Knowledge.

  • Action: Consider hypothetical scenarios and think about how EO principles apply in different situations. Discuss these scenarios with your peers or your EOA/EO Advisor.

  • Why: Applying your knowledge in practical situations will help you better understand and retain the information.

  • Pro Tip: Think about how you can contribute to a more positive and inclusive environment within your unit.

    • Troubleshooting Tips:

  • Difficult to understand legal jargon: Ask your EOA/EO Advisor to explain complex terminology in simpler terms.

  • Unsure if a situation constitutes a violation: Err on the side of caution and consult with your EOA/EO Advisor.

  • Fear of reprisal for reporting a violation: Understand that reprisal is strictly prohibited and report any instances of reprisal immediately.

  • Complaint not being addressed: Escalate the issue through the chain of command or contact the installation EO office.

Summary:

Understanding AR 600-20, Chapter 6, is not merely about adhering to regulations; it's about fostering a culture of respect, fairness, and inclusion within the Army. By understanding the core principles of EO, identifying prohibited behaviors, and knowing the complaint process, you can contribute to a more positive and effective unit. Remember to utilize your unit's EOA/EO Advisor as a valuable resource and actively participate in EO training. This guide provides a foundational understanding, but continuous learning and active engagement are key to truly understanding and applying the truth about Army Equal Opportunity. The surprising truth is that EO is not just a rule, but a fundamental principle that strengthens the Army and its ability to achieve its mission.