Becoming an Equal Opportunity AdvisoR
Equal Opportunity Advisors are the Commander’s and Marine Corps’ primary personnel for advice, guidance, and complaint management regarding Military Equal Opportunity (MEO). They are the Marine Corps’ subject matter experts on MEO concerns.
Duties
Equal Opportunity Advisors serve as Program Managers responsible for managing compliance with program requirements.
They act as subject matter experts into allegations of discrimination, harassment (to include hazing, bullying, and cyber-harassment), and sexual harassment.
Receive and manage complaints (informal, formal and anonymous and confidential reporting (for sexual harassment only)), assist with conflict management.
Responsible for conducting inspections of command level MEO programs.
Eligibility Requirements
Staff Non-Commissioned Officers, in the rank of Staff Sergeant through Master Gunnery Sergeant* (First Sergeants and Sergeants Major are not eligible).
*Current TO only authorizes one Master Gunnery Sergeant billet at MPE who will serve as the Sr. EOA.
General requirements. EOA applicants must:
1) Meet height and weight standards and comply with Marine Corps uniform regulations;
2) Be available for worldwide assignment;
3) Be proficient in their primary MOS;
4) Demonstrate consistent dependability, good judgment, sound integrity, and a high degree of maturity;
5) Exemplify our Core Values, be approachable and able to provide sound advice to all persons regardless of rank and/or position, race, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or religion;
6) Exhibit superior verbal and written communication skills, be comfortable presenting and discussing sensitive topics, speak clearly without significant speech impediments or fear of public speaking;
7) Maintain a calm demeanor and exercise good judgment under adverse or emergency situations; and
8) Demonstrate ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
9) Maintain a secret clearance eligibility based on a Tier 3 investigation.
10) Able to work with others regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, and sex (including pregnancy).
11) Abide by the Code of Ethics
Disqualifiers
Adverse fitness reports in grade, history of court martial, three or more non-judicial punishments in previous five years, history of discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, hazing, harassment, or bullying allegations; or history of referral to a command-directed Family Advocacy Program or any domestic violence allegations.
Applications
Eligible Marines may submit a request for assignment as an EOA utilizing a Reenlistment Extension Lateral Move (RELM) Request via their unit Career Planner. The complete application package includes the command’s supporting EOA recommendation letter with the following enclosures: a personal statement from the applicant describing their desire to be an EOA, and a perspective EOA (applicant) interview questionnaire completed by a Marine serving in an EOA billet.
Applicant Screening
Commanding Officers are responsible for the initial screening (NAVMC 11714) and a personal interview with the Marine. The command’s supporting EOA will conduct an interview and provide a record of the interview as an enclosure to the RELM. CMC (MMEA-25) will consider waivers of the requirements on a case-by-case basis. CMC (MMEA), in consultation with CMC (MPE), will conduct final screenings to select and assign Marines as EOAs.
Initial EOA Training
Marines selected for assignment as an EOA attend the DEOMI Equal Opportunity Advisor Course. EOAs earn the secondary MOS 0147 upon successful completion of the course and are assigned by DC M&RA to a major Marine Corps installation or command for duty as an EOA.
Subsequent EOA Tour
Marines who previously earned the 0147 MOS and successfully served as an EOA may apply for a subsequent EOA tour using the same application procedures above. Marines selected for a subsequent EOA tour who have served in the capacity of an EOA from 2019 to present are not required to attend EOAC for a second time. MPE will coordinate to ensure such Marines complete refresher training prior to assuming their EOA duties. Marines selected for a subsequent tour assignment to an M&RA assigned EOA billet will receive orders to the appropriate duty location.