RECRUIT SUSTAINMENT PROGRAM SOLDIER TRAINING READINESS MODULES Equal Opportunity (EO) 1 September 2012 SECTION I. Lesson Plan Series Task(s) Taught Academic Hours References Student Study Assignments Instructor Requirements Equipment Required Materials Required ADMINISTRATIVE DATA Equal Opportunity (EO) Task Number INDIVIDUAL The academic hours required to teach this lesson are as follows: Test Test Review Total Hours: Resident Hours/Methods 0 hrs 30 mins / Conference / Discussion 0 hrs 00 mins / Practical Exercise (Performance) 0 hrs 0 hrs 0 hrs 30 mins Number Title Date TRADOC PAM 600-4 None The Soldier s Blue Book a. 1 Instructor per 35 Soldiers 09 Jun 2010 b. Be familiar with this Training Support Package (TSP) Id Name 5836013927680/96454N LCD DATA PROJECTOR 6730-00-577-4813 Screen, Projection, BM-10A, Stand 702102982124/70209N Computer, Personal System Instructor Materials: a. This Training Support Package (TSP) Stu Ratio Additional Information Inst Ratio Spt Qty Exp 1:1 No 0 No 1:1 No 0 No 1:1 No 0 No b. TR Pam 600-4, Soldier s Blue Book Student Materials: a. TR Pam 600-4, Soldier s Blue Book b. Student Handouts #1 & #2 c. Other materials as directed by RSP Unit SOP 1
Classroom, Training Area, and Range Requirements Instructional Guidance Organizational Classroom Before presenting this lesson, instructors must thoroughly prepare by studying this lesson and the identified reference material. The instructor should become familiar with this policy and be able to identify and explain it. It is strongly encouraged to invite a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to be a guest instructor for this lesson plan. 2
SECTION II. INTRODUCTION SHOW Slide 1 (STRM) Method of Instruction: Conference / Discussion Instructor to Student Ratio is: 1:35 Time of Instruction: 5 mins Media: Slide Presentation Motivator Equal Opportunity. What does that mean to you? Why should you care? Well, here is why: Have you ever been picked on by a bully because he didn t like your skin color or your last name? Have you ever been called a name that exhibited disrespect toward your religious beliefs? Have you ever known someone who did not get a job they deserved because of their gender? Terminal Learning Objective Safety Requirements Risk Assessment Level Evaluation Instructional Lead-In Chances are you ve either had one of these experiences yourself or you know someone else who has. All of these kinds of experiences are examples of violations of the Army s Equal Opportunity Program. SHOW Slide 2 (Terminal Learning Objective) Inform the students of the following Terminal Learning Objective requirements. At the completion of this lesson, you [the student] will: Action: Conditions: Standards: Communicate the Individual Soldier's Obligations in Support of the Army's Equal Opportunity (EO) Program In a classroom environment with access to real-life scenarios and Student Handouts Define and recognize the Army s Equal Opportunity Program Conduct a safety brief prior to training as needed and IAW unit and installation policies. Low - Risk Assessment to be produced locally IAW FM 5-19, August 2006. None Welcome to the Army s Equal Opportunity (EO) Program. We will be referring to NGR 600-22, National Guard Military Discrimination Complaint System, throughout this lesson. In this lesson you will learn the Army Equal Opportunity Program and how to choose behaviors consistent with the Policy and Army Values. 3
SECTION III. PRESENTATION 1. Learning Step / Activity 1. Define the Army's Equal Opportunity (EO) Program as it relates to the Army Values, Warrior Ethos, and Soldier's Creed Method of Instruction: Conference / Discussion Instructor to Student Ratio: 1:35 Time of Instruction: 15 mins Media: Slide Presentation SHOW Slide 3 (Army Policy on Equal Opportunity) While passing out Student Handout #1 tell students that the first topic of this lesson is the National Guard Military Discrimination Complaint System and may be found in paragraph 1-7 of NGR 600-22. a. Call on one of the students to read the slide then open the class for any discussion regarding fair or unfair treatment they may have witnessed. Bring up any contemporary issues to accentuate a point. b. Provide definition of EO: Equal Opportunity is the right of all persons to participate in and benefit from programs and activities (e.g. career, employment, educational, social, etc.) for which they are qualified. Explain that this policy means: Soldiers can expect to be trained, assigned, promoted and otherwise managed based solely on merit, fitness, and capability in support of readiness. c. The Army s EO Policy applies: (1) Both on and off post. (2) During duty and non-duty hours - 24/7. (3) To working, living, and recreational environments. d. EO is more than a policy statement. It is a part of who you are and a philosophy of how you behave when you are with others, wherever you are. e. What Does the Army Policy on Equal Opportunity Mean? (1) To be treated the same as anyone else in the same circumstances. (2) An individual can t be singled out to be treated differently just because of one of these factors; race, color, gender, religion or national origin. (3) Can t be given more favorable treatment and you can t be given less favorable treatment based solely on any of the above factors. (4) Discrimination and Sexual Harassment are taken seriously by the Army. (5) This training is given to ensure that the Army s treats everyone fairly and keeps to the highest standards. (6) This class will give the Soldiers knowledge, awareness, and examples to apply to situations they may encounter in everyday life. f. Definitions: 4
Ask students to tell you what each term below means. Discuss, and clarify terms if necessary, based on these definitions (NGR 600-22). (1) Discrimination: Any action that unlawfully or unjustly results in unequal treatment of persons or groups based on race, color, gender, religion or national origin. Example: You notice that the promotions seem to be given only to those who have the same religious affiliation as your superior officer even though others have also done the necessary work and appear to be otherwise qualified for promotion. (2) Race: A division of human beings identified by the possession of traits transmissible by descent and that is sufficient to characterize persons possessing these traits as a distinctive human genotype (The genetic makeup, as distinguished from the physical appearance, of an organism or a group of organisms). Explain that this means distinguishing physical and genetic characteristics: examples include Caucasian, Hispanic, African American, and Asian. (3) Color: Treating people differently due to skin color. Provide an example such as referring to Native American Indians as Redskins. (4) Gender: Action taken to deprive a person of a right because of their gender. This can occur overtly, covertly, intentionally, or unintentionally. (a) Overtly. Done openly and publicly, without attempt at concealment and with evident intent. (b) Covertly. Not openly shown, engaged in, or avowed. (c) Intentionally. Done on purpose or design. (d) Unintentionally. Not done on purpose or design. Example: Either male or female Soldiers receive preferential treatment compared to the other gender. (5) Religion: A personal set or institutionalized system of attitudes, moral or ethical beliefs and practices held with the strength of traditional views, characterized by enthusiasm and faith and generally evidenced through specific observances. Examples religious denominations or traditions Catholic, Muslim, Hindu, Protestant (Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian), Quaker, etc. (6) National Origin: An individual s country of origin or that of an individual s ancestors. Examples: Irish, German, Mexican, Chinese, Moroccan, French, Japanese, Russian, etc. SHOW Slide 4 (Army Values and Equal Opportunity) g. The Army s EO Policy states that Equal Opportunity supports the Army s Values. Have the students recite the Army Values aloud together: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. 5
Explain to students that the Army Values will be discussed in detail during their White Phase training. Cover the EO bulleted list and then explain that in addition to the students answers, EO enhances the ability to work effectively as a team, shows respect for others, supports Army Values. SHOW Slide 5 (Warrior Ethos and Equal Opportunity) h. The Army s EO Policy is compatible with Warrior Ethos. Explain to students that the Warrior Ethos will be discussed in detail during their White Phase training. Have Soldiers recite the Warrior Ethos aloud. I will always place the mission first, I will never accept defeat, I will never quit and I will never leave a fallen comrade. Have approximately 3 Soldiers give reasons explaining why and how EO is compatible with Warrior Ethos. Cover the Equal Opportunity bullets and then explain how EO supports mission readiness, supports Army Values, and strengthens the bond that makes Soldiers willing to die for one another. State that EO is compatible with Warrior Ethos. SHOW Slide 6 (Soldier s Creed and Equal Opportunity) i. The Army s EO Policy is compatible with the Soldier s Creed. Ask Soldiers, What is the Soldier s Creed? Divide the room in half and have each half of the room take turns reading stanzas of the Soldier s Creed aloud. Check on Learning QUESTION: You are home on leave with your family. Does the EO Policy apply? ANSWER: Yes. The EO Policy applies anywhere you are; 24 hours each day, 7 days a week. QUESTION: How is EO compatible with Army Values? ANSWER: EO enhances the ability to work effectively as a team, shows respect for others, and supports Army Values. EO also supports Warrior Ethos and the Soldier s Creed. QUESTION: You are a single female Soldier (PFC Martin) and you find yourself attracted to a single male Soldier, SGT Hernandez, but he is your squad leader. Do you pursue a personal relationship? ANSWER: No. Personal relationships between enlisted Soldiers and NCOs are prohibited when the individual is in the supervisory chain of command of the NCO. If PFC Martin and SGT Hernandez were not in the same unit or supervisory chain of command, the relationship would not be prohibited. Other prohibited relationships include personal or business relationships between Officers and enlisted Soldiers, and personal relationships between Trainees and Soldiers. QUESTION: What is unlawful discrimination and how does it relate to Army Values? ANSWER: Unlawful discrimination is unequal treatment based on race, color, gender, religion, or national origin. It is not consistent with Army Values to engage in discrimination. Discrimination undermines loyalty, respect, and integrity and damages the ability to work effectively as a team. 6
2. Learning Step / Activity 2. Identify the Army's Equal Opportunity (EO) Complaint Process Method of Instruction: Conference / Discussion Instructor to Student Ratio: 1:35 Time of Instruction: 5 mins Media: Slide Presentation a. We have learned about equal opportunity; now let s look at the complaint process for EO. The Army's EO complaint process addresses allegations of unlawful discrimination or unfair treatment on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, or national origin. The Army wants to ensure that every Soldier and family member has a readily available system that treats all complaints seriously. Soldiers and family members have the right to present their complaints to their leaders or supervisors without fear of intimidation, harassment, or reprisal. The basis of the system is that all individuals attempt to resolve the problem at the lowest possible level within an organization. SHOW Slide 7 (EO Complaint Process) Pass out Student Handout #2 Complaint Procedures. b. In this lesson we will review the process for filing a formal complaint. Individuals are encouraged to attempt to resolve their complaints by confronting the alleged offender or by informing other appropriate officials about the offensive behavior or other allegations of disparate or unfair treatment. However, depending on the severity of the offense or the nature of the allegation, this may not always be appropriate. Soldiers should inform the chain of command of the specifics of the discrimination and provide their chain of command an opportunity to take appropriate action to resolve the issue(s). All personnel are responsible for submitting only legitimate complaints and exercise caution against frivolous or reckless allegations. SHOW Slide 8 (Types of EO Complaints) c. There are two types of complaints, formal and informal. First we will cover an informal complaint. (1) An informal complaint is any complaint not submitted in writing. Informal complaints are not subject to any timeline, nor are they reportable to higher headquarters. However, the informal complaint process does help facilitate the resolution of your grievances at the lowest possible level. An informal complaint is treated just as seriously as a formal complaint, which will be discussed later in this instruction. When considering the use of the informal process, the following are some factors that may help you in that determination: (2) What do you think are some of the benefits of handling complaints informally rather than formally? Examples: (a) The problem may be resolved. (b) If the problem can be successfully resolved informally, it may improve the relationship between individuals and contribute to team building. (c) It gives individuals an opportunity to correct the situation without damaging anyone s reputation or career. (d) A simple misunderstanding is less likely to be blown out of proportion. 7
(3) Help with informal complaints may come from two sources: (a) Equal Opportunity Representative. (b) Equal Opportunity Advisor. Inform Soldiers that even if an individual wants his or her complaint handled informally it does not prevent or exempt allegations from intervention by the chain of command. Should the chain of command determine that it is necessary to conduct a formal investigation to resolve an informal complaint, the individual may be required to make a sworn statement or be asked to submit a formal complaint. d. A formal EO complaint is submitted in writing using DA Form 7279 (EO Complaint Form). This form can be obtained from your EOA. Unlike the informal process, the formal complaint system requires documentation by your chain of command in order to inquire or investigate your allegations and, if warranted, take necessary corrective actions. The formal complaint process contains specific timelines for the accomplishment of certain actions. All formal EO complaints are reportable to higher headquarters. Formal Complaints follow a strict procedure. Only Commanders, EOAs, and Alternate Agencies can take a formal complaint. When might you want to file a formal complaint? Examples: (1) When you are afraid for your personal safety, or feel your reputation or your career may be compromised by the situation. (2) When the situation is a major infraction. (3) When you want an official record kept of your complaint. (4) When the complaint is against a member of your chain of command, a superior officer or NCO. Check on Learning QUESTION: Why would you choose to pursue an informal complaint rather than a formal complaint? ANSWER: Informal complaints are best for minor infractions. It is recommended to try to resolve these issues first by the lowest level of command. QUESTION: Before you make an informal complaint, what response strategies should you try in order to get the objectionable behavior to cease? ANSWER: Direct, Indirect, and Third Party response strategies. SHOW Slide 9 (Terminal Learning Objective) TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE ACTION: Communicate the Individual Soldier's Obligations in Support of the Army's Equal Opportunity (EO) Program CONDITIONS: STANDARDS: In a classroom environment with access to real-life scenarios and Student Handouts Define and recognize the Army s Equal Opportunity Program 8
SECTION IV. ASK FOR QUESTIONS AND SUMMARY Method of Instruction: Discussion Instructor to Student Ratio: 1:35 Time of Instruction: 5 mins Media: None a. Ask students if they have any questions. b. Answer all questions or agree to get back to students with a complete or appropriate answer. SUMMARY Using your own examples or experiences, recap the Equal Opportunity emphasizing the importance as well as the effectiveness of the program, or quote from or paraphrase the following: We communicated the individual Soldier s obligations in support of the Army s Equal Opportunity (EO) Program. We defined the Army s Equal Opportunity Program as it relates to the Army Values, Warrior Ethos, and Soldier s Creed; identified the behaviors and actions that violate and support the Army s Equal Opportunity Program and identified the Army s Equal Opportunity (EO) Complaint Process. Unlawful discrimination have no place in the Army and will not be tolerated. You should now know how to avoid discriminating against others and how to respond if you believe you are the victim of discrimination. 9
SECTION V. STUDENT EVALUATION (OPTIONAL) Testing None Requirements Feedback Requirements None 10
Appendix A - Viewgraph Masters VIEWGRAPHS STRM Slide #1 Terminal Learning Objective Slide #2 Army Policy on Equal Opportunity Slide #3 Army Values vs. Equal Opportunity Slide #4 Warrior Ethos vs. Equal Opportunity Slide #5 Soldier s Creed vs. Equal Opportunity Slide #6 EO Complaint Process Slide #7 Types of EO Complaints Slide #8 Terminal Learning Objective Slide #9 A-1
Appendix B - Test(s) and Test Solution(s) (N/A) B-1
Appendix C - Practical Exercises and Solutions Built into Lesson Plan C-1
Appendix D - Student Handouts (N/A) Student Handout (SH) 1 Army Policy on Equal Opportunity Student Handout (SH) 2 Complaint Procedures D-1