Complaints Processing: Any employee, former employee, or applicant for employment can file a EEO complaint. An EEO complaint is an allegation of discrimination on the basis of age, color, sex, race, disability (mental/physical), genetic information, national origin, and/or reprisal.

The first step in filing a complaint is to contact the EEO Office within 45 calendar days of the date of the matter alleged to be discriminatory or, in the case of a personnel action, within 45 calendar days of the effective date of the action. An EEO official, such as the EEO officer, specialist, or assistant, or an EEO counselor may offer you the opportunity to participate in the pre-complaint counseling process or, if determined appropriate, the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) method in lieu of traditional counseling.

ADR: Mediation is the ADR process preferred by the Department of the Army; however, other methods may be offered as determined by the activity. Mediation is a method by which an objective and impartial person (a trained mediator) facilitates communication between the aggrieved and management to resolve concern(s) or disputes(s). If ADR is offered and accepted, the pre-complaint period will be extended an additional 60 calendar days from the date of contact with the EEO Office.

Traditional Counseling: If ADR is not offered or you choose not to participate in ADR, the EEO counselor will continue with traditional EEO counseling.