As the Commanding Officer of 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I am personally committed to the Marine Corps’ Equal Employment Opportunity Program. We in the 11th MEU will provide equal opportunity for all persons and will prohibit discrimination of race, color, religion, sex, age, and national origin. For us to be successful in garrison, during our work-ups and while deployed forward, we must function as a synergist team. Any behavior that treats Marines or Sailors differently because of race, color, religion, sex, age, or national origin will not be tolerated.
Each of us has a role to play in the Equal Employment Opportunity Program. We must respect and embrace our diversity as a source of strength. Discrimination is unlawful and inconsistent with our core values of honor, courage and commitment. Discrimination impedes our ability to perform our mission, and that aids our enemies.
Leadership at all levels will be engaged in making sure that all decisions are based on our core values and nothing else. I expect each and every one of us to treat our fellow warriors with respect and dignity as we build a cohesive fighting team.
Each of us has the responsibility to ensure zero tolerance of any actions that are not consistent with our high moral standards. Anyone who feels they have not been treated fairly due to any form of discrimination will report the incident immediately via the chain of command or to me or the Sergeant Major personally. Any one of us who observes any unprofessional discriminatory behavior will also report it.
The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit is a world-class fighting organization, and as such, will always conduct itself in a highly professional manner. We will extend our understanding and acceptance of cultural difference to everyone we meet, including co-workers and the many different people we encounter during deployment. We will always maintain a high state of vigilance and will be ready to address any hostile action, all the while being culturally aware.
I expect all Marines and Sailors who are part of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit to represent daily our commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity. We will treat each other and those that we interact with professionally, and at no time will we tolerate or sit idle while observing anything less than total excellence. We as an organization are committed to our core values, and there is no place in the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit for anything less. We are stronger because we embrace our diversity and treat each other with respect and dignity.
Col. Michael R. Hudson
11th Marine Expeditionary Unit
Commanding Officer