For over 237 years, young men and women have sought the title Marine. Throughout our long history,
Marines have well earned the reputation as an elite martial fratern·lty, a fellowship that takes care of our own. All
of those who have answered the call and accepted the challenge of being a Marine, or serving with the Marines,
have sought the opportunity to serve our nation, to challenge themselves, and to be a part of the fellowship of our
Corps. We are all equals in the title Marine. Any attitudes, actions, or speech that undermines the dignity and
self-worth of an individual Marine or group of Marines undermines the very fabric of our Corps and the trust of the
nation we have sworn to serve.
Hazing
MCO 1700.28A clearly defines hazing as any conduct whereby a military member or members, regardless
of service or rank, without proper authority causes another military member or members, regardless or service or
rank, to suffer or be exposed to any activity which is cruel, abusive, humiliating, oppressive, demeaning, or
harmful. Soliciting or coercing another to perpetrate any such activity is also considered hazing. Hazing need not
involve physical contact; it can be verbal or psychological in nature. Hazing is illegal, it is contrary to our core
values, and it undermines good order and discipline. Hazing in any form will not be tolerated!
Equal Opportunity
All Marines, Sailors, and civilians assigned to the 15th MEU are entitled to equal unbiased treatment and
the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential based solely upon individual merit, fitness, and capability. The
unique differences (race, religion, gender, age, ethnicity, education) each member brings to the team should be
embraced - those differences strengthen the team and they are what makes our country great. Sexual
harassment is a form of discrimination. 15th MEU personnel should attempt to resolve any equal opportunity (EO)
issues at the lowest level possible by utilizing the chain of command and the Informal Resolution System. The
preferred method for filing a formal complaint is Request Mast. I take EO complaints seriously; we will handle any
complaints promptly and professionally. Any member that takes reprisal action against another member for
bringing forward a complaint will be disciplined under the UCMJ; likewise, anyone who knowingly makes false
allegations of discrimination or sexual harassment will be subject to administrative or disciplinary action. MCO
P5345.1D is the primary equal opportunity reference. Assistance with equal opportunity matters is available
through the Command Equal Opportunity Representative (EOR), the chain of command, or the I MEF Inspector
General's Office. The 15th MEU EOR is Gunnery Sergeant Wade Spradlin.
Safety and Force Preservation
15th MEU Marines and Sailors must train aggressively in order to retain the readiness and capability to
decisively accomplish our next mission. Safety and Force Preservation are critical to readiness and fundamental
components of both operations and leadership. Marines take care of Marines - 24/7, and leaders know their
Marines! Engaged mentoring, training, guidance, and supervision are required to eliminate needless loss of life,
injury, and damage to equipment. The application of sound operational risk management is essential at all levels,
on and off duty. Safety resides at every level within the 15th MEU: Every Marine is a safety officer and we are
each accountable for our decisions, actions, or inaction. Our mission is inherently dangerous. Proactive
leadership, sound judgment, and adherence to established procedures mitigate the inherent dangers.
View PDF version of Commanding Officer's Statement.
Lieutenant Colonel J.R. O'Neal
15th Marine Expeditionary Unit
Commanding Officer