Equal Opportunity

ANG DIVERSITY VISION STATEMENT:
To achieve an organizational culture that values diversity and inclusion as highly as personnel strength and readiness.

ANG DIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENT:
To create and sustain an organization dedicated to mission effectiveness, valuing diversity and
inclusion, and ensuring each individual has the opportunity, guidance, and information to reach maximum potential.

The ANG Equal Opportunity (EO) program is a function of leadership that formulates, directs, and sustains a comprehensive effort to maximize human potential and prevent any personal, social, or institutional barriers that could prevent Air Force members from rising to their highest potential.

Air Force policies are in place to maintain an environment free from unlawful discrimination, including sexual harassment, and ensure fair treatment for all based solely on merit, fitness, and capability in support of mission readiness.

Reporting
- Military
  For military personnel, the policies provide for equal opportunity and treatment for all members based on their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, or reprisal.
  
  Air National Guard members on Title 10 orders must contact the Air National Guard Readiness Center Equal Opportunity Office within 60 days of the alleged discriminatory event or effective date of the personnel action for which the complaint is based. (See “CONTACT US” above.)
  
  Drill Status Guardsmen (Title 32) must contact the Wing Equal Opportunity Office within 180 calendars days of the alleged discriminatory event or active date of a personnel action for which the complaint is based.
- Civilian
  For civilian employees, policies provide for equal employment opportunity and treatment for all civilians irrespective of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), age, genetic information, disability, or prior EEO activity (reprisal).
  
  Civilian personnel are to contact an EEO official within 45 calendars day of the alleged discriminatory event or effective date of the personnel action for which the complaint is based. (See “CONTACT US” section.)
Complaints procedures
- Informal Complaints
  The EO counselor, when contacted by the complainant, will make whatever inquiry is necessary into the matter. The counselor will seek a resolution on an informal basis via a facilitation effort with management and the complainant.
  
  The aggrieved will receive counseling information concerning the issues presented; and on their rights and procedures to process the complaint formally if not satisfied with the attempt at informal resolution. The complainant's identity may not be revealed to anyone unless the complainant authorizes it in writing, or until after a formal complaint has been accepted for processing at the formal stage.
  
  The complainant has the right to be accompanied, represented or advised by a representative of his or her choice during any stage of the complaint process. The representative must be designated in writing. Persons who take part in presenting or processing discrimination complaints are to be free from any type restraint, interference, coercion, discrimination, or reprisal; they are given full due process.
- Formal Complaints
  If the complaint is not resolved informally, and the complainant decides to file a formal complaint, the formal complaint must be filed within 15 calendar days after the final interview with the EO counselor. The formal complaint must be in writing all information and materials will be given to clients by Holloman EO Counselors. The EO Director will ensure proper and timely processing of formal complaints in accordance with 29 C.F.R Part 1614 provisions.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
- What is ADR?
  Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) consists of a variety of approaches to early intervention and dispute resolution. Many of these approaches include the use of a neutral individual. ADR increases the parties' opportunities to resolve disputes prior to or during the use of formal administrative procedures and litigation. Three forms of ADR most often used are mediation, facilitation and early neutral evaluation.
- Why look at ADR?
  It is inevitable that some workplace disputes cannot resolve themselves. Sometimes we need to work through official channels. As an employee, supervisor, manager or union official, you may have participated in workplace dispute resolution processes at some time during your federal career. Many have concluded that traditional Equal Employment Opportunity grievance and litigation procedures to resolve workplace disputes are:
  
  -Long and drawn out, sometimes lasting for years
  -Costly in terms of time spent and money required
  -Too formal
  -Obstacles to good working relationships
  -Decided by "outsiders" who do not fully understand the situation
  -Impedes mission accomplishment
  
  Many years of experience with the traditional methods of dispute resolution have led several federal agencies and private industry to design alternative, new and creative means for handling workplace disputes. The Air Force has developed its own Alternative Dispute Resolution program to resolve workplace problems. The program encourages open communication and discussion between the parties, who use their own creative ideas to resolve disputes.
- BENEFITS
  The benefits of resolving issues under the ADR program:
  
  - Promoting a healthy employment relationship by including the parties directly in designing a resolution to their workplace problems
  - Reaching a solution quickly, before the situation worsens
  - Reducing costs in terms of money and time spent reaching resolution
  - Focusing on the interests of the parties and their long term relationship, rather than their legal position
  - Improving future work relationships
  - Encouraging the parties to speak directly to each other rather than to a judge
  - Creating a win-win situation
- How Does it Work?
  - The employee or management official identifies a workplace problem.
  - The employee is encouraged to raise the problem through the chain of command/supervision.
  - The employee/management official may contact his/her supervisor, the EO Office, Civilian Personnel (CPO), Inspector General, Union, Chaplain, Employee Assistance Program Office or the Alternative Dispute Program Office.
  - The official contacted refers the issue either to the appropriate office or the ADR office.
  - The ADR office may discuss the matter with the employee/management official to determine the feasibility of using ADR to resolve the matter.
  - The ADR office determines whether to offer one of the methods of ADR for dispute resolution (mediation, facilitation or early neutral evaluation).
  - The parties agree to use the method offered or to use traditional dispute resolution procedures.
  - If the parties choose ADR, they attempt to resolve the disputed issue(s) in good faith and by full and open communication, respecting the rights of each party to present his/her perspective.
- Participation
  If you are offered the choice to resolve your problem through ADR, it is up to you whether or not to use it. Employee participation in ADR is strictly voluntary. You may choose ADR or have your problem addressed under traditional procedures applicable to the issue. In order to make an informed decision concerning participation in ADR, you will be provided all the information you need. Every question you have will be answered.
- Does the program work?
  Yes! The ADR Program resulted in significant benefits to both the employer and employees. The manager and employee communicate directly and participate in designing a solution that makes sense to them. Issues are raised early and resolved quickly.

Air Force Instructions

462 Annual Reports

No FEAR Act Reports

Equal Employment Opportunity Data posted Pursuant to the No FEAR Act of 2002

Plans and Policy

AF Plan - Employment Procedures

Prevention

Suicide Prevention
1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Military Crisis Line
1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)

Sexual Assault Response:
DoD Safe Help Line
1-877-995-5247

National Guard Equal Opportunity Hotline
(704) 607-5462 or
1-800-371-0617

Equal Opportunity Office Phone Number
240-612-7611
DSN: 612-7611

Equal Opportunity Office Email
usaf.jbanafw.ngb-cc.mbx.angrc-equal-opportunity@mail.mil

Mission and Vision Statement

About Equal Opportunity

EEO Links

Phone Numbers

Contact Us