Photo By Maj. Chad Nixon | Sgt. 1st Class Prenness Taylor poses for a graduation photo with Col. Reese Turner,...... read more read more
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - Sgt. 1st Class Prenness Taylor from the 139th Medical Brigade discovered there is more than just sunny weather, beaches and surfing in Cocoa Beach, Florida, while becoming the most recent graduate from the Equal Opportunity Adviser course at Patrick Air Force Base.
I had the opportunity to sit down with Sgt. 1st Class Taylor and Greg Rogers, the Equal Opportunity Adviser for the 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support) and ask questions about the course and its importance to the Army Reserve.
Q. To help readers better understand, what is the roll of an EOA?
A. Rogers: We are an outlet for soldiers to learn and understand diversity. We travel to units and teach classes on race, religion and culture. We can establish and record focus groups to give commanders an estimate on the attitudes and command climate.
Q. What if a Soldier has an issue, do you handle complaints?
A. Rogers: EO complaints that are based on Race, Color, Nation of Origin, Gender, or Religion can be brought directly to the first level Equal Opportunity Advisor (EOA) as a formal or informal complaint. The complaint is based on the Soldiers perception not the EOAs. It is the EOAs job to advise them, but remain a neutral party between the command and the Soldier. The EOA will insure that "Due Process" is provided on the complaint.
Q. Why volunteer to become an EOA?
A. Taylor: I like the idea of teaching diversity to Soldiers and civilians. Assisting unit commanders to build team cohesion increases the success of the unit, and I am proud of that.
Q. What did you like most about the course?
A. Taylor: Working in a joint setting with all branches and services was great. This was my first class in a joint environment and learning from the other services is something I will never forget.
Q. Why is it important for Soldiers to attend the EOA course?
A. Rogers: when it comes to filling EOA positions, the 807th is at only 50 percent strength for the entire command. We need to spread the word so Soldiers can learn about becoming an EOA and the opportunities it can bring to their career. Building cultural relations removes barriers and helps units function stronger than before.
Q. Can anyone become an EOA and what are the requirements?
A. Rogers: For enlisted the MOS is nonspecific with a rank requirement of promotable E6 to E9. For officers in the AG branch that are an O4 to O5, they can serve at the division level. Once you become an EOA you are required to serve in the position for 3 years. The first step is completing the online training, then attending the four week resident portion in Florida.
Q. What surprised you most about the course?
A. Taylor: To help others you must first learn about yourself. The course helps you discover your own filters, prejudices and biases, breaks them down and makes you self aware. Once you understand you, then you can better understand others.
Q. Be honest, was this class an excuse for you to live next to the beach?
A. Taylor: Funny you should say that. This is my first time seeing the ocean and it is beautiful here. However, the instructors push for more. Volunteering in the community is important and giving back is highly encouraged. I spent time working with Habitat for Humanity helping build houses. Owning a home is part of the American dream and I feel good being a part of that.
Interested in becoming an Equal Opportunity Adviser? Contact your division EOA, Mr. Greg Rogers at 801-656-3668 or gregory.p.rogers.civ@mail.mil.
| Date Taken: | 10.01.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 10.05.2014 10:52 |
| Story ID: | 144329 |
| Location: | PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 783 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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