Final answer:
When a Soldier submits an Informal sexual harassment complaint, the steps include confronting the individual, reporting to a superior, the superior addressing the issue, and potentially filing a formal complaint if not resolved. Sexual harassment constitutes any unwelcome behavior affecting employment status or creating a hostile environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a Soldier submits an Informal sexual harassment complaint, there are four general steps taken overview:
- The Soldier, known as the complainant, should directly approach the individual causing the harassment to address the behavior, if they feel safe and comfortable doing so.
- If step one is not possible or does not yield a change in behavior, the Soldier can then report the incident to a superior officer. This can be done verbally or in writing, and the report should include all pertinent information about the incidents of harassment.
- The superior officer is expected to address the issue with the person alleged to have committed the harassment. This may involve informal counseling or a discussion reminding the offender of the Army's policies on sexual harassment.
- If the issue is not resolved after these initial steps, the Soldier has the option to file a formal complaint, which triggers a more detailed investigation and potential disciplinary action pursuant to the Army's regulations and procedures.
Sexual harassment includes any unwanted sexually-based behavior that adversely affects a person's employment status, interferes with a person's job performance, or creates a hostile or intimidating work environment, according to U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.