Marine Corps Base Hawaii

The diversity found within the present day Marine Corps wasn’t always a focal point throughout history. Now individuals from all walks of life, race, religion and sexual orientation can be seen wearing the same common utility uniform because of equal opportunity.

Unit and section equal opportunity representatives from Marine Corps Base Hawaii met in Combat Camera classroom one for equal opportunity training to discuss the importance of unity within the Marine Corps, Sept. 23 through 27, 2013.

The training is conducted to incorporate fair treatment into the Marine Corps’ ethos and leadership philosophy. It included specialized training in a multitude of topics such as communication, values, attitudes and behavior.

The first day of the week-long class began with remarks from Col. Jeffrey Davis, the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, chief of staff. Gunnery Sgt. Curtis Bradley, the MCB Hawaii’s equal opportunity advisor, said Davis’ opening remarks successfully tied equal opportunity to war fighting and mission accomplishment. Davis said since Marines are war-fighting professionals, there is no room for prejudice when lives are at stake.

“The only way we can fight and win is if we work together,” Davis said. “The only thing that will matter on that day when we are down range is if we can put lead into the target or call in a medevac.

Can you save my life through combat lifesaver (training)? These are the things that matter.”

Davis said Marines must “stomp out” anything they allow to exist that detracts from the most basic combat issues.

“What’s the most important thing in war fighting?” Davis asked the representatives. “Can I fight and win by myself? No, absolutely not. It takes a team. Artillerymen don’t load and shoot the cannon by themselves. There’s a whole gun crew. Everything we do is teamwork. Anything that is counter to teamwork, we have to kill.”

Master Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Walker, the Manpower, Personnel & Administration chief for MCB Hawaii, asked Davis about inequality allegations and the job of the equal opportunity representative.

“Because we are humans, there’s always going to be friction,” Davis responded. “This is why communication is important. Getting things out in the open and talking it out prevents friction from happening. People have to get their hands dirty and fix it. I guarantee you your command will appreciate you doing this job.”

Walker said he believed it was important for a senior officer, like Davis, to come and emphasize the commander’s philosophy concerning equal opportunity.

“Honestly it breaks my heart every time a junior Marine comes to me and says they have an issue,” Walker said. “Just like the colonel said, we are here to fight wars and win for our country. When things like equal opportunity issues pop up in our military society you feel powerless, to some extent. But you encourage Marines and ensure that it will be brought to the commander’s attention and make sure it is addressed.”

Walker went on to explain the importance for unity within the Marine Corps.

“It’s vitally important that every member of every command understand the importance of equality because issues eat away at our professionalism and separate us as a team,” he added. “As a Marine Corps fighting force.”

If you need assistance concerning equal opportunity related issues or to find out more information about the training, contact Bradley at 257-7720.