COMBAT LOGISTICS BATTALION 5
COMMANDING OFFICER’S
POLICY FOR EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The United States Marine Corps is well known as a force in readiness. We are ready as a result of our cohesive nature, from Recruit Training until the day we leave the Corps. We are also known for our core values: Honor, Courage, and Commitment. We have developed this lasting reputation with a strong foundation of dignity and respect amongst our ranks.
No matter what your rank, each of you wears the uniform of our country. This signifies our togetherness as a team. No matter your ethnicity, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation, we are one team. We must respect each other as individuals and seek opportunities to learn from each other.
Our Unit consists of representatives from our 50 States, U.S. territories, and even other partner nations. This incredibly rich diversity provides us a tremendous opportunity to understand the various cultures in America, as well as the languages, foods, and celebrations that differ based on the historical context of where we each were born and raised. I challenge each of you to strengthen the bonds within our Unit by sharing your own cultural experiences and learning about those who serve to your left and to your right.
While I expect every Marine and Sailor to strengthen our bonds as a team, there may be individuals who choose a wrong path by disrespecting another individual or group based on ethnicity, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. This disrespect may come in the form of sexual harassment, verbal abuse, hazing, or discrimination. This disrespect is prohibited and will not be tolerated.
I ask that victims and witnesses of an equal opportunity offense, first attempt to use the individual resolution system to highlight and discuss the offense. Swift and tactful response is often effective to remedy the situation. When victims feel that resolution is not effective, feel uncomfortable confronting the offender, or feel the offense is too heinous for individual resolution, I encourage swift reporting via the chain of command or our Unit’s equal opportunity representative.
We must trust each other in garrison and in a tactical environment. That trust must be built on dignity and respect toward each other. Be professional and do the right thing.
"No Excuses"
J.F. Soto JR.