Military Equal Opportunity

To preserve dignity and promote respect for all Marines and other Armed Forces personnel, uniformed and civilian, that are assigned to, or serving with, Marine Corps units by ensuring a clear and common understanding of the prohibited activities and conduct addressed in MCO 5354.1F, their intolerable and corrosive effects on our institution, and proper prevention and response actions.

The Marine Corps is built on the trust and teamwork shared between individual Marines and their leaders. Inherent in this trust is the understanding that fair, scrupulous, and unbiased treatment is the Marine Corps leadership standard. In keeping with this leadership philosophy, equal opportunity will be applied in every command policy, action, and program.

The responsibility for accomplishing equal opportunity is not dependent on authority or solely the function of any special staff officer. Rather, all Marines are expected to promote camaraderie among individuals, regardless of age, color, sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, or national origin, by setting an example of unprejudiced actions and identifying unfair practices to higher authority via the chain of command.

Unlawful discriminatory practices within the Marine Corps are counterproductive and unacceptable. Discrimination undermines morale, reduces combat readiness, and prevents maximum utilization and development of the Marine Corps’ most vital asset, its people.

Marine Corps Order 5354.1G Admin Ch 1

Prohibited Activities and Conduct Prevention and Response Toolkit

Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute