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OAA

Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army

MISSION

The Office of the Administrative Assistant (OAA) provides direct administrative and management support to HQDA and enterprise level services to Armywide organizations.

VISION

An innovative, results-oriented organization recognized for customer service and workforce excellence.

MOTTO

Customer Service and Workforce Excellence

OAA HISTORICAL REFERENCES

OAA HISTORY

  • OAA’s history dates back to the earliest days of the Nation, when the Articles of Confederation written by the Continental Congress in January 1782 provided for a Chief Clerk to the Secretary of War. On 7 August 1789, the Congress created a Department of War and specified that the Secretary of War should appoint a Chief Clerk. Mr. William Knox was the first to hold that position, brother of Henry Knox, who was then serving as the Secretary of War. From the 1790s through the War of 1812, the War Department was primarily an administrative and record-keeping bureau that served as a conduit for the military’s large volume of correspondence and reports. The department’s handful of clerks were charged with keeping military papers in order and expediting departmental business.

  • When British forces attacked Washington, DC, in 1814, the War Department clerks played a critical role in removing nearly all papers from the Secretary’s offices near the White House and saving captured standards and colors from the American Revolution before the British arrived. The clerks would perform a similar role during the Civil War when, in 1864, they joined other department civilians in manning Washington’s defenses for a time to help protect the city from a Confederate threat. The Chief Clerk was charged with transacting departmental business as assigned by the Secretary of War. If the Secretary was away from Washington, the Chief Clerk could manage affairs and take substantive action based on correspondence from the Secretary. In addition, throughout the first half of the 19th century, the Chief Clerk served as Acting Secretary of War when the cabinet position became vacant. Unlike the Secretary, the Chief Clerk did not necessarily change with the political administrations.

  • A 22 May 1908 act of Congress changed the Chief Clerk‘s title to “Assistant and Chief Clerk” and more accurately reflected the expansion of responsibilities during the preceding century. The workload of the official who had since been designated the “Assistant and Chief Clerk” increased with the 1917 entry of the United States into World War I. Faced with an unparalleled expansion of the Army via a draft and the related growth of the War Department, Chief Clerk John C. Scofield scrambled to hire additional staff and secure sufficient office space and equipment. In this environment, the main responsibility of the clerks changed from knowing a substantial but relatively limited number of War Department precedents (and where the records containing them were filed) to managing a tidal wave of paper that almost submerged the department in the early stages of the war. Scofield continued in this position after the war, assisting the Secretary with planning activities designed to better prepare the department for future conflicts.

    At the conclusion of Scofield’s impressive 33-year tenure, the Secretary of War renamed the position as the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of War." By the time the United States entered World War II in 1941, the Administrative Assistant was supervising records management, printing, civilian medical treatment, and procurement and accounting within the Secretariat, along with other activities. In 1946, the Office of the Administrative Assistant (OAA) was established from former Office of the Secretary of War-assigned authorizations.

  • In July 1947, the National Security Act created the National Military Establishment. The Department of War was re-designated as the Department of Army, changed the Secretary’s title accordingly, and left the titles of other Department officials to the discretion of the Secretary. The Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of War was re-designated as the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. The incumbent continued to act as the Secretary’s right hand, and OAA’s footprint within the recently constructed Pentagon grew.

    During subsequent decades, the duties of the Administrative Assistant continued to expand. The Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986 reaffirmed the Administrative Assistant’s title and greatly expanded the associated responsibilities. By 2000, OAA was responsible for administrative management, maintaining official records, and managing the programs that provided service, supply, and equipment for the Department of Defense (DoD) within the National Capital Region (NCR). Critical services included contracting, passports, and motor pool, as well as telephones and computer operations in the Pentagon.

  • 11 September 2001 was an especially dark day for OAA, but the event demonstrated the remarkable resilience of its people. That morning, a plane hijacked by terrorists hit the west side of the Pentagon, ripping through the outer three rings of the building and killing 125 servicemembers and civilians who were working in the building. The Administrative Assistant’s staff sustained 40 of the 75 Army deaths. In one brief moment, the office lost nearly all of its financial experts and computer files, just weeks before the end of the fiscal year. Working around the clock—assisted by volunteer retirees and budget analysts and accountants from other government agencies—OAA finished its end-of-year work on time. The staff also reestablished computer and telecommunications connectivity throughout the building and found workspace to make up for the 400,000 SF destroyed. These extraordinary efforts reestablished normal operations within days and contributed to the reopening of the newly rebuilt sections of the Pentagon on 11 September 2002.

  • OAA continued to manage resources for the Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA), providing administrative support to the Secretary of the Army and senior Army leaders and overseeing a range of services across DoD, even while receiving other missions. In 2003, for example, OAA was assigned as an Executive Agent to aid in the rebuilding of Iraq. It provided administrative, human resource, logistics, information technology, facilities, acquisition, and fiscal support to the Coalition Provisional Authority offices in Washington and Baghdad. Prior to the 2004 presidential election, Congress called on DoD to ensure every Armed Forces member could vote, and OAA worked with other organizations to ensure that more than 2 million ballots were printed and shipped to military posts, camps, and stations worldwide.

  • OAA worked with the HQDA BRAC 132 office to implement base realignment and closure recommendations, which resulted in the reduction of 1.28 million SF of leased office space in the NCR. Army tenants were relocated to military installations and the Pentagon.

    The recommendations reduced the number of leased buildings from 56 to 29, equating to a 35% reduction in leased space. Over 6 years, OAA worked with all affected tenants, HQDA, the Washington Headquarters Services (WHS), the General Services Administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and DoD to plan, document, and execute facility renovations and tenant moves affecting more than 3,300 employees. OAA had direct responsibility and oversight in the preparation and fit-out of 12 buildings on Fort Belvoir, VA, for inbound BRAC personnel, including 13 OAA directorates relocating from the Taylor building in Crystal City, VA.

  • OAA has participated in multiple HQDA reform efforts over the last decade. Three major field operating agencies (ITA/CMH/ESA (AHS)) were transferred in, and then out, of the organization. Additionally, several Pentagon “shared services” were moved from OAA to OSD/WHS, including the Pentagon Motor Pool, Athletic Center, Library, Carpentry Shop, and Mail Room. Despite OAA’s ever-changing mission set, the customer service rendered to the Nation by its team of military and civilian professionals has remained steady for more than 200 years.

LEADERS

  • Mr. Mark F. Averill
    ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY
    Mr. Mark F. Averill
  • Vacant
    DEPUTY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY
    Vacant

FORMER ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS TO THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY

FORMER DEPUTY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS TO THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY

HEADQUARTERS

  • Mission

    The OAA Front Office supports the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army (AASA) and the Deputy Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army (DAASA), provides direct administrative and management support to HQDA, and manages the day-to-day operations of the OAA.

    Services

    Waivers for Alcohol Consumption on the Pentagon Reservation and in Leased Facilities in the National Capital Region (NCR):

    All alcoholic consumption within the Pentagon Reservation and leased space managed by Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) must have prior written authorization. To serve alcohol within Department of the Army (DA) office space, authorization must be obtained from the AASA, whom has been delegated the decision authority by the Secretary of the Army. The consumption of alcoholic beverages in public space, such as corridors, requires the approval of both the AASA and the Director, Defense Facilities Directorate, WHS. Written notice of such authorizations shall be provided to the Pentagon Force Protection Agency.

    Coin Procurement:

    Coins are intended for use by Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA) principals to provide tangible, honorary recognition to HQDA and other Department of Defense personnel for acts of exceptional service, achievement, or special recognition of a job well done, or for unique contributions towards the accomplishment of the Army’s mission. Coins for this purpose may be procured with the operating accounts of an HQDA agency.

    Political Transition:

    Administers political transition within the Department of the Army Secretariat to facilitate effective transition of DA politically appointed civilian leadership between presidential administrations.

    In Presidential election years the AASA serves as the Army’s Transition Assistance Coordinator, develops the Order of Succession of Officers to Act as Secretary of the Army and coordinates Department of the Army’s direct support to the Head of DoD Transition.

    The AASA publishes Army-wide leadership updates upon a new administration’s appointment of the eight Army presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed officials.

    E-mail: USARMY.pentagon.hqda-oaa.mbx.oaa-communications-poc@army.mil

    Reviewed: 9 July 2024

  • Mission

    On behalf of the SECARMY and AASA, provides day to day operations of the CASA program.

    CASAs are employed as Consultants pursuant to 5 USC 3109 and serve as unpaid Special Government Employees (SGEs) who help tell the Army story by bridging their communities and the US Army. The CASA Program Office helps facilitate sharing of best practices and ideas amongst CASAs; provide information to “green” or “re-green” CASAs; and ensure we have the right CASA at the right location at the right time to support the Secretary of the Army’s priorities.

    Services

    • Fill CASA vacancies: solicit nominees, convene CASA Recommendation Panel, and prepare decision packages for the SECARMY selection;
    • Conduct Investiture Ceremonies for appointed CASAs;
    • Prepare CASA official travel authorizations and vouchers;
    • Disseminate briefings and other information to CASAs to keep them abreast of ongoing Army efforts;
    • Monitor CASA’s performance through bi-annual Significant Activities Reports and compliance of ethical and regulatory requirements;
    • Execute Regional and National Conferences.

    E-Mail: usarmy.pentagon.hqda-oaa.mbx.casa@mail.mil

    Reviewed: 9 July 2024

  • Mission

    Manage OAA’s Information Management, Information Technology, Telecommunications, and IT Service Provider Liaison services in support of OAA’s delivery of Products and Services to its HQDA customers.

    Services

    Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure Group:

    ·        Support the IT Infrastructure (Data Center, Cloud Hosting)

    ·        Conduct IT Assets/Property Management

    ·        Provide Telecommunications Management (Mobile Devices)

    ·        Liaison with IT Service Providers: Joint Service Provider (JSP)/FBVA Regional NEC (RNEC)

    E-Mail: usarmy.belvoir.hqda-oaa.mbx.itmo-support-team@army.mil

    Information Management & Engineering Group:

    ·        Perform applications engineering Lifecycle Management from Development to Decommissioning

    ·        Support SharePoint administrative functions including site enhancements

    ·        Conduct Cybersecurity compliance and readiness

    ·        Provide application MS Azure Cloud/Web Support

    ·        Administer Records Management and Knowledge Management

    E-Mail: usarmy.pentagon.hqda-oaa.mbx.oaa-application-support-desk@army.mil

    Reviewed: 9 July 2024

  • Mission

    SACO processes all correspondence addressed to or originating from the OAA to the SECARMY and the Executive Office Headquarters. Translates general guidance from Senior Army Leadership into definitive taskings. Tracks taskings for the AASA and DAASA. Reviews and processes taskings for completeness, accuracy, timeliness, and coordination. Serves as the link to agencies or individuals outside of the Army, such as the White House; Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS); Army Commands (ACOMS), Army Service Component Commands (ASCCs), and Direct Reporting Units (DRUs); and Soldiers, Department of Defense (DoD) employees, Family Members, and veterans.

    Services

    • Receives, reviews, and maintains accountability for incoming correspondence, actions, awards, and taskings that originate from several sources, to include various levels of the DA leadership, OSD, Congress, and other agencies outside of DoD.
    • Provides general guidance and direction on Army management and oversight of military and civilian personnel policy issues. Incumbent independently plans and coordinates internal and external actions with key inter- and intra-agency military/civilian leadership.

    E-Mail:

    Reviewed: 9 July 2024

  • Mission

    Ensures all HQDA civilian employees and applicants for employment receive equal opportunities in employment regardless of race, sex, age, national origin, color, religion, genetic information, disability, or retaliation.

    Services

    Provides Advisory Support to HQDA

    • Annual Reports for DVAAP, FEORP, MD715, 462
    • Discrimination and Harassment Complaints; Facilitates Alternative Dispute Resolutions/Mediation; Settlement and Judgement compliance; Awards Certification IAW AR 672-20; EEO Training
    • Disability Retirements; Reasonable Accommodations; Sign Language Interpretation Services
    • Diversity and inclusion awareness training; HQDA DEOCS monitoring; HQDA Diversity and Inclusion Awards Program; Diversity and Inclusion Briefings/Training
    • Special Emphasis Program Management for cultural observances and workforce analysis

    E-mail: usarmy.pentagon.hqda-eeo.mesg.office@army.mil

    Reviewed: 9 July 2024

  • Mission

    Provides Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Ethics, Fiscal Law and Administrative Law services to the Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. CALS is responsible for managing the HQDA Secretariat FOIA Act Program.

    Services

    • Intakes and logs all Freedom of Information Act requests aimed at the Army Secretariat, Under Secretary, Chief of Staff of the Army and Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, and over 30 other subordinate organizations.
    • Coordinates all FOIA intakes with organizations likely to possess responsive documents.
    • Executes notification letters to requestors within 10 days of receipt.
    • Examines, analyzes and redacts all responsive documents in accordance with the exemptions in the Freedom of Information Act and where applicable the Privacy Act.
    • Acts as the Initial Denial Authority for all Secretariat Army responses and Direct Reporting Units under the FOIA.
    • Maintains a significant FOIA dBase to ensure leadership is kept aware of significant FOIA requests.
    • Maintains contact with FOIA requestors via email and telephone so that they are aware of progress on their individual FOIA requests.
    • Coordinates with respective impacted Army agencies prior to release of documents.

    E-mail: usarmy.belvoir.hqda-oaa.mbx.oaa-rpa-cals-mailbox-foia@army.mil

    Reviewed: 11 July 2024

U.S. ARMY HEADQUARTERS SUPPORT AGENCY

  • Mission

    ASFM plans, manages, and administers a comprehensive real estate and facilities program for personnel at more than 27 locations. Space planning activities incorporate approximately 2.5 million square feet in the National Capital Region (NCR).

    Specific services include space planning and management, lease administration, furniture acquisition, architectural and engineering services, renovation and modernization project planning, and management and building maintenance.

    ASFM also provides executive services to the Office of the Secretary of the Army and the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Army.

    Services

    • Acquires and manages space within the Pentagon, other Federal facilities, or in leased facilities throughout the NCR through the Master Planning Board
    • Assists senior leadership and HQDA organizations with developing and implementing short/long-range facility strategic planning, including renovation projects, space utilization studies, and alignment of facility assignments to mission requirements
    • Supports Army organizations by providing space planning, architectural and engineering services, interior design, furniture acquisition, and construction management oversight for build out of new space and renovation of existing space
    • Provides oversight and guidance for Pentagon exhibits and displays; fabricates and installs various Army signage for Pentagon spaces/corridors 
    • Processes incoming and outgoing mail for HQDA supported activities, providing regularly scheduled mail distribution and pickup services to Army activities within the Pentagon
    • Schedules property transportation and movement in support of HQDA (OA–22) customers located in the NCR
    • Manages the DoD Pentagon Auditorium, which is the largest meeting venue and only theater in the Pentagon

    E-mail: usarmy.pentagon.hqda-asfm.list.army-government@army.mil

    Reviewed: 9 July 2024

  • Mission

    Provide an appropriate facility where the Secretary of the Army, Chief of Staff of the Army, Under Secretary of the Army and Vice Chief of Staff of the Army can dine and host special functions for foreign dignitaries, official visitors and other guests as necessary to conduct business during the execution of the responsibilities of their respective offices.

    Provide a private dining facility for senior-level civilian and military officials in the Army Secretariat and Army Staff. The facility will also serve those personnel with approved memberships to the executive dining facilities of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff, the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force. To provide the highest quality service in the most efficient and economical manner possible.

    Services

    • Army Executive Dining Facility (dining room, carry out and catering for eligible/invited members)

    E-mail: usarmy.pentagon.hqda.mbx.aredf@army.mil

    Reviewed: 9 July 2024

  • Mission

    Executes functions associated with OAA’s responsibility for providing direct and shared human capital management and support to the SECARMY and HQDA human resources management, policies, programs, services, and guidance to all HQDA organizations and over 6,000 HQDA Civilians and Soldiers.

    Simply put, the HRMD Team makes Awesome happen every day!

    Vision

    Become a premier provider of human capital management services by building innovative policies, service delivery models, analytics, and digital solutions that enable the OA-22/HQDA workforce:

    • to make better and more informed decisions, and position OA-22/HQDA as a model employer; and
    • to provide state of the art human capital management and support services on all aspects of the HR lifecycle for the HQDA/OA22 workforce of today--and tomorrow.

    Services

    • Provide HR management to HQDA staff on the entire lifecycle of HR programs, services, and policies.
    • Execute the HQDA Expeditionary Civilian Workforce (ECW) Program.
    • Manage civilian and military strength
    • Maintain and advise on delegations of Civilian HR authorities to include Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA)/Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay (VSIP), Superior Qualifications/Advanced In-Hire (AIH), 180-Day Waiver, Recruitment, Relocation, and Retention (3Rs), and Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP).
    • Provide employment policy for all aspects of civilian HR.
    • Provide strategic human capital management/planning.
    • Execute civilian performance management (DPMAP/DCIPS) and employee engagement.
    • Manage the HQDA (CAC/ID Card) ID/CAC Office (Fort Belvoir)
    • Manage HQDA Fort Belvoir Fitness/Wellness Center located in building 1464.
    • Deliver HQDA civilian drug testing program to include random and pre-employment testing (locally/worldwide) for Army Executives, Senior Leaders, Consultants, and Highly Qualified Experts at the Pentagon (SA, USA, AASA), and mandatory annual drug and alcohol training.
    • Process and approval for all SECARMY awards; Honorary and Military awards; Public service awards; SECDEF awards approved by the Army; Multi-service awards; Awards by non-federal organizations; Career service recognition for civilian employees; and Performance and Monetary awards processing/OAA budget control.
    • Execute the Institutional Training Temporary Duty (ITTDY) Program, formerly MTSA
    • Workforce Development and Training to include HQDA Professional Program; Senior Enterprise Talent Management/Enterprise Talent Management (SETM/ETM) Program; HQDA Institutional Training on Temporary Duty Program; Competitive Professional Development (CPD) Program; Harvard Senior Executive Fellow; Federal Executive Institute; Emerging Enterprise Leader (EEL) Program; Retirement and benefits seminars; and Civilian Education System (CES).
    • Execute the HQDA Onboarding Program and virtual portal.
    • Provide People Analytics and reporting for senior leadership.

    E-mail: usarmy.belvoir.hqda-hrmd.mbx.hrmd-office@army.mil

    Reviewed: 17 July 2024

  • Mission

    RSD provides resource and force management support, performs a variety of readiness and operations support functions Army-wide, and manages the Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution for the Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA – Command OA-22) totaling over $4.6B annually and in multiple appropriations.

    Services

    • Resource Management for OAA and HQDA
    • Financial and Programmatic Budget functions
    • Manpower and Force Management
    • Managerial Accounting/Audit Readiness
    • Acquisition Support Services
    • DoD Automated Time Attendance and Production System (ATAAPS)
    • Civilian Payroll Processing
    • General Fund Enterprise Business System (GFEBS/GFEBS-SA) Sustainment
    • Command support for Defense Travel System (DTS), Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC), Government Purchase Cards (GPC), and G-Invoicing
    • Support for Medal of Honor Events & Annual Army Birthday Ball

    E-mail: usarmy.belvoir.hqda-rsd.mbx.oaa-hsa-rsd-public-inquiry@army.mil

    Reviewed: 9 July 2024

  • Mission

    SPSD ensures integration and synchronization of protection, security, and safety programs to assure the operational resilience of Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA) in the National Capital Region.

    The directorate also carries out the Command Security Manager function, providing personnel, communications, industrial, and information security program management, as well as HQDA locksmith services and Pentagon parking management.

    Services

    • Integrates and synchronizes Army protection program functions for HQDA in the NCR
    • Manages the HQDA Safety and Occupational Health Program
    • Provides communications security support to the White House, National Military Command Center, and HQDA
    • Oversees HQDA personnel security requirements
    • Provides locksmith services to HQDA in the NCR
    • Manages Army-related parking requirements for the Pentagon

    E-mail: usarmy.pentagon.hqda-spsd.mbx.directorate-operations@army.mil

    Reviewed: 9 July 2024

  • Mission

    The Special Programs Directorate (SPD) supports Army enterprise, National Capital Region, and Office of the Administrative Assistant (OAA) specific programs.

    SPD advocates for stewardship of resources and ensures customer service excellence, by providing education, oversight, and approval processes in accordance with statutes and policies.

    Services

    Army-wide:

    • Army Conference Management (AR 1-50)
    • Army Gift Policy (AR 1-100)
    • FACA Committee Management (AR 15-1)
    • Inter/Intra Army Committee Management (AR 15-39)
    • DoD Executive Agent (AR 10-90)
    • Secretary of the Army Delegations (AR 1-19)
    • Operational Support Airlift (AD 2017-05 and AD 2020-14)
    • Emergency & Extraordinary Expenses (AR 37-47)
    • Official Representation Funds (AR 37-47)

    NCR/HQDA:

    • Combined Federal Campaign (AR 1-10)
    • Army Emergency Relief Campaign
    • Mass Transit Benefit Program
    • Department of the Army Welfare Fund (AR 230-3)

    OAA:

    • Risk Management Internal Controls
    • Customer Satisfaction
    • Organization Inspection Program
    • Publishing Program

    E-mail: usarmy.belvoir.hqda-oaa.mbx.special-programs-directorate@army.mil

    Reviewed: 9 July 2024

ARMY REGULATIONS

ARMY DIRECTIVES

AASA Principle Official Guidance Memorandums

ARMY-WIDE PROGRAMS

HQDA RESOURCES

Current Organization Charts

OAA RESOURCES

Current Organization Charts

Current Handbook

LINKS

SERVICING POPULATION

The OAA Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Directorate provides EEO services for Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA) organizations comprised of the Army Staff, Secretariat, and Field Operating Agencies/Staff Support Agencies.

A listing of HQDA organizations and links to their respective websites is located on the HQDA Onboarding Website.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army

Equal Employment Opportunity Directorate

ATTN: SAAA-EE

9301 Chapek Rd, Bldg. 1458

Ft. Belvoir, VA 22060-5527

(703) 545-1255

OAA EEO General Office Mailbox: usarmy.pentagon.hqda-eeo.mesg.office@army.mil

POLICY

Army Harassment Prevention and Response Policy Memorandum dated 7 March 2022.pdf [PDF - 99.3 KB]

HQDA EEO Policy Memorandum dated 29 September 2023.pdf [PDF - 86.1 KB]

AR 690-12 - Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity (12 December 2019)

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PLAN FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

OAA Federal Agency Equal Employment Opportunity Program Status Report MD-715 Part J 2023 (CAC-Enabled)

PROGRAMS

  • It is the policy of the government of the United States to provide equal opportunity in employment for all persons, to prohibit discrimination in employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability and to promote the full realization of equal employment opportunity through a continuing affirmative program in each federal agency. No person shall be subject to retaliation for opposing any practice made unlawful by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Equal Pay Act, or the Rehabilitation Act, or for participating in any stage of administrative or judicial proceedings under these statutes. These statutes are promulgated through Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1614.

    Any employee, former employee, or applicant for employment with HQDA who believes they have been discriminated against, may file a complaint with the OAA Equal Employment Opportunity Directorate.

    Employees or applicants for employment must initiate the complaint within 45 calendar days of the alleged discriminatory action or event; or within 45 calendar days of becoming aware of the alleged action or event. There are two stages in the EEO complaint process: informal – when the allegation is counseled or mediated; and formal – when the allegation is formally investigated and/or adjudicated. When the aggrieved individual contacts an EEO official about a complaint, that official will thoroughly discuss the stages within the process.

    OAA EEO Complaints E-mail: usarmy.belvoir.hqda-eeo.mesg.complaints-submission@army.mil

  • The Army has chosen mediation as the preferred alternative dispute resolution (ADR) method. Mediation is an ADR process that is non-adversarial in nature. It seeks not to declare winners or losers, but to find reconciliation between disputing parties.

    OAA EEO ADR E-mail: usarmy.belvoir.hqda.mesg-eeo-adr-submission-mbx@army.mil

  • The OAA EEO Directorate provides annual EEO, Anti-Harassment, and NO FEAR training; reasonable accommodations training; Alternative Dispute Resolution training; and additional equal opportunity training for HQDA employees. Training opportunities are announced through official communication messaging.

  • Special Observances are scheduled to highlight the contributions, culture, and achievements of special emphasis groups to the nation. The U.S. Army recognizes the following observances:

    Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Observance - The observance of the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. was established by Public Law 98-144. This national day of service is celebrated on the third Monday in January. Dr. King is celebrated as a champion of nonviolence in America and as a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement.

    African American/Black History Month - The observance of African American / Black History Month was established by Public Law 99-244. This observance runs through the month of February and celebrates the contributions of African Americans to our nation.

    Women's History Month - The observance recognizing women's contributions was established by Public Law 100-9. This observance runs through the month of March and celebrates the struggles and achievements of women throughout the history of the United States.

    Days of Remembrance & Holocaust Remembrance Day - The U.S. Congress established Days of Remembrance as the nation's annual commemoration of the Holocaust. Public Law 96-388 established the United States Holocaust Memorial Council and authorizes the actions of the council. Each year the President of the United States also issues a Presidential Proclamation for the observance. The dates for Days of Remembrance and Holocaust Remembrance Day vary each year according to the Hebrew calendar.

    Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month - The observance recognizing Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month was established by Title 36, U.S. Code, Section 102. This observance runs through the month of May and celebrates the service and sacrifices of Asian/Pacific Islanders throughout the United States.

    Pride Month - Celebrating and recognizing the diversity of both civilian employees and Service members across the Department of Defense (DoD); June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month. It is observed in June to commemorate the riots that occurred in June 1969 at the Stonewall Inn in Manhattan, New York. The event, known as the Stonewall Riots, became the catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world to achieve equal justice and opportunities.

    Juneteenth - The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act passed the Senate by unanimous consent on June 15, 2021, and the House on June 16, 2021, and was signed into law as Public Law 117-17, designating June 19th as a federal holiday. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States. Most importantly, it represents victory over the institution of slavery and the beginning of the fulfillment of America’s promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for African Americans.

    Women's Equality Day - The observance recognizing Women's Equality Day was established by Joint Resolution of Congress in 1971. Women's Equality Day is observed on the 26th day of August and commemorates the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which gave women the right to vote. The observance has grown to include focusing attention on women's continued efforts toward gaining full equality.

    Hispanic Heritage Month - The observance recognizing National Hispanic Heritage Month was established by Title 36, U.S. Code, Section 126 and Public Law 100-402. Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from 15 September - 15 October of each year. The observance is celebrated during this time frame due to many significant events for various Hispanic communities which fall within the observance period. The President issues a Proclamation each year calling on the people of the United States, especially the educational community, to observe National Hispanic Heritage Month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

    National Disability Employment Awareness Month - The observation of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is established by Public Law and Presidential Proclamation. National Disability Employment Awareness Month is observed from 1 - 31 October of each year. The awareness event is observed so that Americans may reaffirm commitment to ensuring equal opportunity for all citizens and so that they may pay tribute to the accomplishments of men and women with disabilities who contributed, continue to contribute, and wish to contribute to making the nation's economy strong.

    National Native American Heritage Month - The observation of National American Indian Heritage Month has its roots in Public Law 99-471. Over several years the observation was moved to different months but in 1990 Public Law 101-343 set the month-long observance in November. Each year the President issues a Proclamation in recognition of the observance. National American Indian Heritage Month is observed from 1 - 30 November of each year. The observance month recognizes American Indians for their respect for natural resources and the Earth, having served with valor in our nation's conflicts and for their many distinct and important contributions to the United States.

    Special Emphasis Programs E-mail: usarmy.belvoir.hqda-eeo.mesg.sepm-mbx@mail.mil

  • Reasonable Accommodation and Personal Assistance Services based on Disability, Religion, and under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

    Procedures for providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities are located in Appendix C of AR 690-12, Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity. AR 690-12 - Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity (12 December 2019)

    OAA EEO Reasonable Accommodations E-mail: usarmy.pentagon.hqda-eeo.mesg.reasonable-accommodations@army.mil

REPORTS

No FEAR Report (MD-715 F.3.b)

RESOURCES

EEO General Mailbox Office: usarmy.pentagon.hqda-eeo.mesg.office@army.mil