Final answer:
Equal Opportunity Programs, established through initiatives like Executive Order 9981 and Defense Directive 1304.26, are designed to remove barriers and ensure service members of all backgrounds can advance to the highest responsibilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The program designed to provide an environment free from personal, social, or institutional barriers that prevent Service members from rising to the highest level of responsibility possible is commonly referred to as an Equal Opportunity Program. A major milestone in the development of these programs was the issuance of Executive Order 9981 by President Truman in July 1948, which declared an end to segregation in the military and required equal opportunity for all military members, regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin. Further progression in the military's policies towards inclusivity included Defense Directive 1304.26, which formally ended discrimination against gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members, and the more recent policy changes to allow transgender individuals to serve without restrictions.