LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- The United States Air Force Equal Opportunity (EO) program has undergone changes in recent years as policies and force needs have evolved, but its role as a support resource for Airmen has not gone away.
EO’s mission remains centered on preventing and addressing unlawful discrimination and
harassment and helping commanders maintain healthy, respectful unit environments.
“There have been several changes with new Executive Orders within the Department of the Air Force (DAF) EO Program,” said Donald Quinn, 19th Airlift Wing Director of Equal Opportunity. “However, our mission and roles have not changed, and our office remains fully staffed and ready to serve our nation’s best.”
Today, EO offers services to both military members and civilians. These include accepting concerns, facilitating informal resolution when appropriate, providing training, and advising leadership on climate related issues. EO professionals encourage people to reach out when something feels wrong, even if they are unsure whether it rises to the level of a formal complaint.
Some Airmen hesitate to contact EO because they believe it automatically triggers a formal complaint or disciplinary action.
“All Airmen and Department of War (DOW) employees have a right to visit our office without reprisal or retaliation,” said Quinn. “Even if it’s not EO related, we are going to link them to the right agency because their concerns are our concerns.”
When someone contacts EO, the focus is on understanding the situation and explaining available options. EO professionals walk individuals through the process, discuss confidentiality, and help them decide what steps, if any, to take next.
EO also works closely with commanders and senior leaders by identifying trends, providing education, and offering guidance aimed at preventing issues before they escalate.
“Our agency provides timely, fair, and impartial services to military members and civilians, such as complaint processing, outreach, EO-related training and education, assistance through alternative dispute resolution, and other related services,” said Quinn.
Even when concerns do not result in formal complaints, EO says the program still has an impact by improving communication, trust, and morale within units.
“The EO program supports the DAF’s continuous efforts to be a model employer and lethal force,” said Quinn. EO professionals encourage Airmen who are unsure whether their situation qualifies for EO assistance to ask questions and seek guidance rather than dismissing their concerns.
At its core, EO officials say the program remains a resource for Airmen navigating difficult situations in the workplace.
“Please contact our office and let’s have a conversation,” said Quinn. “We have a great relationship with other agencies. Even if it’s not in the EO purview, we can still refer to the appropriate agency.”