Does EO cover body/fat shaming?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 20:58:45 -0400

A soldier made comments on social media joking about how obesity in the army is an epidemic (it is in the MI branch), and then doubled down when someone complained to him about body shaming.

Weight / physical ability is not a protected category, where is the line between "unprotected" category and a topic that is still relevant to EO's mission set.

An informal complaint has already been lodged. Is this grounds for a formal EO complaint? If a formal complaint is lodged, is there a way to fight it?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2020 9:20 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 21:20:05 -0400

You should address this question to your units EOL and/or EOA. They will give you the definitive answer

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jul 31 at 2020 10:51 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 22:51:31 -0400

We have an entire regulation dedicated to discriminating against body fat and those with it. What I would say is that there is tact and treating people with dignity and respect. This is a great conversation between his first line and him. There is also the Army Social Media Policy, as his comments represent the Army even if he doesn't intend to.

It is not an EO issue. It's a Command discipline action. For soldiers, obesity is not a protected class. It is a basis to separate soldiers, it can even be used as a basis to enroll people in weight control program just because they LOOK fat. But that is at the discretion of the Commander (AR600-9), not random people in the unit.

Read AR600-9 Para 6-2. Being judged on "fitness" is acceptable, but it is not by rank and file, it is at the discretion of the commander between AR600-9 and AR350-1. The Commander may delegate the Maintenance of fitness, good order and discipline to other officers and NCOs in the Chain Of Command.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2020 11:29 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 23:29:49 -0400

Let me play Devil’s Advocate for a second. If it was joke not directed toward any person in particular, how is one filing a complaint when the comment wasn’t directed toward anyone? Who did he body shame and is THAT individual considering filing a report? Let me make myself absolutely clear, I don’t agree with anyone being ridiculed, I’m just confused on “who” is filing if the comment was general and not aiming or pointing out a specific person.

For me it’s kinda the same as saying Toxic Leadership is becoming an epidemic. Who this be considered a EO complaint? Curious about the answer.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2020 11:41 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 23:41:19 -0400

I am very curious to see what was said. I don't think it would be an EO issue but it would be a professionalism issue. Saying a Soldier does not appear to be in shape isn't something you can report. If a Soldier is failing to maintain his weight and is overweight due to his lack of physical training or by overeating you can tell me that he is not presenting a Soldierly appearance. Then you validate that they are in compliance with their height weight or body fat percentage.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2020 12:06 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 00:06:53 -0400

This does not fall under EO.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 1 at 2020 8:10 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 08:10:38 -0400

One, you state it was in General and not directed at an individual. Not sure there is anything there. I would imagine at the very least the local leader would recommend they refrain. Again, it does not appear to be under the realm of military authority.

Response by SSG David Kaelin made Aug 1 at 2020 11:04 AM

SSG David Kaelin — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 11:04:00 -0400

I think body shaming should be mandatory.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Aug 2 at 2020 5:20 AM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 05:20:32 -0400

If you are fat everyone in the army has a responsibility to shame you into getting into shape. Don't like it? Get out of the military.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Aug 2 at 2020 6:12 AM

SSG Robert Perrotto — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 06:12:24 -0400

bottom line up front - if a Soldier is fat, then they are fat - Being offended by the truth is bovine fecal matter, your supposed to feel ashamed, self conscious, and bummed out. I never sugar coated a god damned thing in order to spare someones feelings - this is the military, the business of killing people, you cannot get more offensive then that, if someone calling you tubby, fatty, or pointing out that Omar the Tent maker needs to sew your uniforms, then get the fuck in regulation, or suffer the ridicule.