COMMANDING OFFICER’S
POLICY ON EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY AND SEXUAL
HARRASSMENT
The Marine Corps’ policy on Equal Opportunity is clear: The Marine Corps will provide equal opportunity for
all military members without respect to race, color, religion, gender, age, or national origin and provide
an environment free of sexual harassment.
There is no room in 1st Battalion, 5th Marines for unlawful discrimination, harassment, or any other similar activity that is not in the best interests of our people and mission accomplishment. This includes hazing, initiations or rituals designed to confer acceptance. If you observe, or are the subject of discrimination, sexual harassment or illegal initiations you may immediately address your concerns directly to the person demonstrating the unacceptable behavior. The only thing the men of 1st Battalion, 5th Marines will be judged on is their performance. Every man in this Battalion will be treated professionally, with dignity and respect at all times. We are a Nation at war, and cannot afford to degrade our own cohesion and combat effectiveness through mistreatment of our fellow Marines and Sailors. Participation in any form of discrimination or mistreatment of fellow Marines and Sailors, or failure to stop those who do, is an obstacle to mission accomplishment and will simply not be tolerated.
This battalion needs every Marine and Sailor focused on the enemy and on the difficult tasks ahead of us, confident that their flanks and their back are secure. We do not prey on the weak – we are defenders of the defenseless, and I expect leaders to be vigilant and ensure that all act in accordance with both the letter and the spirit of this document. America expects greatness from her Marines, and I am certain that you will carry out my intent, and continue to bring honor to yourself, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, and our Corps.
There is no room in 1st Battalion, 5th Marines for unlawful discrimination, harassment, or any other similar activity that is not in the best interests of our people and mission accomplishment. This includes hazing, initiations or rituals designed to confer acceptance. If you observe, or are the subject of discrimination, sexual harassment or illegal initiations you may immediately address your concerns directly to the person demonstrating the unacceptable behavior. The only thing the men of 1st Battalion, 5th Marines will be judged on is their performance. Every man in this Battalion will be treated professionally, with dignity and respect at all times. We are a Nation at war, and cannot afford to degrade our own cohesion and combat effectiveness through mistreatment of our fellow Marines and Sailors. Participation in any form of discrimination or mistreatment of fellow Marines and Sailors, or failure to stop those who do, is an obstacle to mission accomplishment and will simply not be tolerated.
This battalion needs every Marine and Sailor focused on the enemy and on the difficult tasks ahead of us, confident that their flanks and their back are secure. We do not prey on the weak – we are defenders of the defenseless, and I expect leaders to be vigilant and ensure that all act in accordance with both the letter and the spirit of this document. America expects greatness from her Marines, and I am certain that you will carry out my intent, and continue to bring honor to yourself, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, and our Corps.
Semper Fidelis,
T.B. Savage
LtCol USMC