LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --
Effective Feb. 1, 2019, Air Force Equal Opportunity Offices will begin processing hazing and bullying allegations as identified in Department of Defense Instruction 1020.03, Harassment Prevention and Response in the Armed Forces.
Without a doubt, Airmen remain the Air Force’s most valuable resource. Abiding by the core value of excellence in all we do, the Air Force will provide Airmen an option between filing an Informal or Formal Military Equal Opportunity Complaint or for allegations involving bullying and hazing. Using the chain of command to address concerns remains a viable method for lower level resolution.
Below are definitions outlined within DoDI 1020.03, Harassment Prevention and Response in the Armed Forces.
BULLYING: A form of harassment that includes acts of aggression by Service members or DoD civilian employees, with a nexus to military service, with the intent of harming a Service member either physically or psychologically, without a proper military or other governmental purpose. Bullying may involve the singling out of an individual from his or her coworkers, or unit, for ridicule because he or she is considered different or weak. It often involves an imbalance of power between the aggressor and the victim. Bullying can be conducted through the use of electronic devices or communications, and by other means including social media, as well as in person.
HAZING: A form of harassment that includes conduct through which Service members or DoD civilian employees, without a proper military or other governmental purpose but with a nexus to military service, physically or psychologically injures or creates a risk of physical or psychological injury to Service members for the purpose of: initiation into, admission into, affiliation with, change in status or position within, or a condition for continued membership in any military or DoD civilian organization. Hazing can be conducted through the use of electronic devices or communications, and by other means including social media, as well as in person.
The essence of the Air Force Equal Opportunity Program is about removing barriers from individuals so they can reach their highest potential; this is one more way that mission can be fulfilled.
For more information related to the Air Force Equal Opportunity Program, please visit:
https://www.af.mil/equal-opportunity/