CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan -- Civilians and service members took part in an Equal Opportunities Representative Course March 3-7 at the Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster.
The course trained participants to become effective equal opportunity representatives, which allows them to advise their commands regarding matters relating to workplace discrimination.
Courses are available for service members and Status of Forces Agreement personnel to learn more about the equal opportunity program and its applications, according to Gunnery Sgt. Darrell W. Clark, the equal opportunity advisor for Marine Corps Installations Pacific .
“We have something for everybody,” said Clark. “Courses (are offered as needed for anyone) - civilians and junior enlisted included.”
Most of the participants looked forward to the learning opportunity, and saw attending the course as a way to grow personally and professionally, according to Gunnery Sgt. Kenge D. Herron, the logistics mobility chief with Marine Air Support Squadron 2, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
“This was certainly an eye-opening experience,” said Herron. “I’ve already gotten better at seeing past my own predeterminations to see things from someone else’s perspective. I know I can keep my command well-informed and help them avoid possible EO related incidents.”
A large portion of learning to be an EO representative is keeping an open mind, and allowing the future EO representatives to take advantage of the military’s environment, according to Clark.
“It’s not always about my values, attitudes and beliefs,” said Clark. “It’s about learning to take a step back, taking everyone’s cultural background and plugging it into the team concept of our multicultural environment. One of the great things about our current military environment is, we’re able to take all of that and use it to create a diverse and effective command climate.”
Instructors encouraged participants to engage in conversations and activities concerning current discrimination-related issues, such as gender-discrimination, according to Gunnery Sgt. Miranda E. Brown, the operations chief with Manpower Information Systems Support Office 27, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Marine Corps Installations Pacific.
“Equal does not necessarily mean the same,” said Brown. “Everybody is a little different; body composition, talents, etc. Common sense has to prevail in order to ensure everyone has the opportunity for success.”
Another topic covered was the difference between two common problem-solving angles, according to Clark. The day’s instruction focused on the differences between solving problems on the individual versus societal level.
“Too often we focus on the victim,” said Clark. “What the victim did, or could have done differently. We need to examine the possibility of fixing problems from a systematic, institutional perspective. Because, when we look at things in that way, we’ll eliminate the issue for a long period of time, versus taking care of them for an individual scenario … which only solves the problem temporarily.”
Anyone interested in becoming an equal opportunity representative or learning more about the program is encouraged to speak with his or her command’s EOR to begin the process, according to Clark.
“People (connected to the military) rotate in and out often, said Clark. “We’re always looking for additional EORs. Your unit’s representative should be able to help you get a package together for either becoming a representative or additional knowledge.”