The MEO Program formulates, directs, and sustains a comprehensive effort to maximize human potential and to ensure fair treatment for all Soldiers based solely on merit, performance, and potential in support of readiness. MEO philosophy is based on fairness, justice, and equity. Commanders are responsible for sustaining a positive EO climate within their units. Specifically, the goals of the MEO Program are to—
(1) Build and maintain a cohesive, combat ready Army which is focused and determined to accomplish its mission.
(2) Provide support to Soldiers, both on and off-post, and within the limits of the laws of localities, states, and host nations.
(3) Ensure MEO exists for all Soldiers.
(4) Ensure every Soldier is treated with dignity and respect.
(5) Support commanders at all levels and MEO professionals (EO PMs, EO SGMs, EO advisors; and EO specialists (RA/USAR)) and EO Leaders (EOLs) who are responsible for the execution of MEO policies in their units organizations, and agencies.
Commanders are also responsible for the DA Civilian Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program which provides equal opportunity in employment for all DA Civilians and prohibits discrimination in employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or reprisal. Commanders are responsible for sustaining a positive EEO climate within their workplace in accordance with applicable law and Federal regulations; specific responsibilities and complaint procedures are outlined in AR 690 – 12 and AR 690 – 600.
MEO professionals (EO PMs, EO SGMs, EO advisors and EO specialists (RA/USAR)) at all levels will—
Provide senior leaders with information and guidance on MEO Program and Harassment Prevention and Response Program, policies, areas of concern, and processes. Serve as command’s subject matter expert for policies and procedures relating to both.
Ensure both MEO Programs and Harassment Prevention and Response Program comply with Army and DoD policies, and applicable law.
Receive, process, and/or respond to complaints.
Develop, execute, and manage a budget to ensure that the command's MEO Program and The Army’s Harassment Prevention and Response Program are properly resourced.
Maintain, where appropriate, informal liaison with community organizations fostering civil rights
Assist commanders with the following MEO and Harassment Prevention and Response training and briefings, at a minimum:
(a) Unit level common mandatory training.
(b) Pre-command course.
(c) Plan and assist with conducting executive seminars for senior leadership.
(d) In-processing of Soldiers.
Evaluate the effectiveness of training.
Continually assess the climate through CCAs, using surveys, interviews, focus groups, records reviews, observations, and SAVs.
Analyze trend data, identify problem areas, and recommend solutions for command senior leadership at a minimum on a quarterly basis.
Assist commanders with Army Heritage Month activities.
Assess and evaluate the program compliance in accordance with this AR 600-20 by conducting onsite SAVs.
Assist commanders with the CCAs, and development of responsive action plans which mitigate or eliminate areas of concern identified with the CCAs.
Develop MEO and Harassment Prevention and Response command policy and guidance in accordance with this AR 600-20.
Coordinate command participation in HQDA Diversity Outreach Awards Program.
MEO professionals (EO PMs, EO SGMs, EO advisors and EO specialists (RA/USAR)) at all levels will—
Provide senior leaders with information and guidance on MEO Program and Harassment Prevention and Response Program, policies, areas of concern, and processes. Serve as command’s subject matter expert for policies and procedures relating to both.
Ensure both MEO Programs and Harassment Prevention and Response Program comply with Army and DoD policies, and applicable law.
Receive, process, and/or respond to complaints.
Develop, execute, and manage a budget to ensure that the command's MEO Program and The Army’s Harassment Prevention and Response Program are properly resourced.
Maintain, where appropriate, informal liaison with community organizations fostering civil rights
Assist commanders with the following MEO and Harassment Prevention and Response training and briefings, at a minimum:
(a) Unit level common mandatory training.
(b) Pre-command course.
(c) Plan and assist with conducting executive seminars for senior leadership.
(d) In-processing of Soldiers.
Evaluate the effectiveness of training.
Continually assess the climate through CCAs, using surveys, interviews, focus groups, records reviews, observations, and SAVs.
Analyze trend data, identify problem areas, and recommend solutions for command senior leadership at a minimum on a quarterly basis.
Assist commanders with Army Heritage Month activities.
Assess and evaluate the program compliance in accordance with this AR 600-20 by conducting onsite SAVs.
Assist commanders with the CCAs, and development of responsive action plans which mitigate or eliminate areas of concern identified with the CCAs.
Develop MEO and Harassment Prevention and Response command policy and guidance in accordance with this AR 600-20.
Coordinate command participation in HQDA Diversity Outreach Awards Program.