EQUAL OPPORTUNITY (EO) FACILITATES FLEET READINESS AND MISSION ACCOMPLISHMENT

An effective EO program will make EO an integral part of readiness and make military and civilian service in the Department of Defense a model of equal opportunity for all regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, or disability.
 
A commitment to fairness for all individuals equates to better-prepared personnel and Command readiness. By accepting responsibility for human resources and realizing discrimination negatively affects mission accomplishment, personnel will carry out their responsibilities and take immediate action to eliminate any form of discrimination, harassment or abuse.
 
Fairness in selection, career development, advancement, discipline or quality of life regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, provides an environment in which personnel can perform to their maximum ability. Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. FOURTH Fleet prohibits the collection or use of genetic information in our hiring practices, promotion, discharge, pay, fringe benefits,job training, classification, referral and all other aspects of employment. Decisions should be made on the basis of specific facts, not personal desires or biases, and official actions shall be performed in full accordance with Department of Defense and Navy policy. 

Our commitment to EO requires more than mere compliance. We must continue to meet both the letter of the law and its spirit.

James A. Aiken 
Rear Admiral, United States Navy