DA Form 7279: Equal Opportunity & Harassment Complaint – The DA Form 7279, officially titled the Equal Opportunity and Harassment Complaint Form, is the primary document used by U.S. Army Soldiers, DA civilians, cadets, and eligible family members to formally report discrimination or harassment. It plays a central role in the Army’s commitment to a fair, respectful, and inclusive environment under Army Command Policy.
What Is DA Form 7279 Used For?
DA Form 7279 allows individuals to file formal complaints based on:
- Discrimination due to race, color, sex (including gender identity), religion, national origin, or sexual orientation.
- Harassment due to hazing, bullying, or other discriminatory behaviors.
This form initiates the official Military Equal Opportunity (MEO) process. It is distinct from informal complaints, which can often be resolved verbally or through chain of command without paperwork. Filing on DA Form 7279 triggers mandatory timelines, investigations, and protections against reprisal.
Note: Sexual assault or sexual harassment cases may also involve the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program, but DA Form 7279 specifically addresses EO and discriminatory harassment.
Key Features of the Current Form (July 2020 Edition)
The current version is DA Form 7279, JUL 2020. Previous editions are obsolete. It includes structured sections for:
- Complainant Information (Name, Rank, Unit, Race/Ethnic Group, Sex, Date).
- Nature of the Complaint — Detailed description of incidents, dates, parties involved, witnesses, and prior reports.
- Requested Remedy — What outcome the complainant seeks.
- Affidavit — Sworn statement (punishable under UCMJ for false complaints).
- Agency Receipt, Commander Acknowledgment, Investigation Results, Resolution Actions, and Appeals.
A companion form, DA Form 7279-1, is used for the Equal Opportunity Complaint Resolution Assessment.
Download the Official DA Form 7279 Here:
https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/ARN30079-DA_FORM_7279-000-EFILE-1.pdf
Who Can File a DA Form 7279 Complaint?
- Active Duty, Army National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers.
- DA Civilians (in certain contexts).
- Cadets and eligible family members.
Complaints should generally be filed within 60 days of the incident, though commanders may investigate later reports.
Step-by-Step: How to File a Formal EO Complaint?
- Gather Details — Document dates, times, locations, individuals involved (complainant, subject, witnesses), and any evidence.
- Complete DA Form 7279 — Be as specific and factual as possible in the Nature of Complaint section. Swear to the accuracy via the affidavit.
- Submit the Form — File with a Military Equal Opportunity Advisor (EOA), commander, or appropriate agency (e.g., housing office for related issues).
- Acknowledgment — The receiving agency has 3 calendar days (or next drill period for reserves) to refer it to the appropriate commander.
- Commander Actions — Within 5 days, the commander typically initiates an investigation (often under AR 15-6 procedures), implements a no-reprisal plan, and notifies higher commands as required.
- Investigation Timeline — Generally completed within 30 calendar days (with extensions possible; different for reserves).
- Resolution & Appeal — The commander issues findings. Complainants and subjects have 7 calendar days (or next MUTA-4 for USAR) to appeal.
Throughout the process, the Army prohibits reprisal, and commanders must actively prevent it.
Informal vs. Formal Complaints
- Informal: Flexible, no DA Form 7279 required. Can be resolved quickly by peers, chain of command, or EOAs. Ideal for minor issues where the goal is simply to stop the behavior.
- Formal: Uses DA Form 7279. Triggers structured investigation, timelines, documentation, and potential disciplinary actions.
Many issues start informally and escalate only if needed.
Why This Process Matters?
The Army’s Equal Opportunity Program, governed primarily by AR 600-20 Army Command Policy, DoDD 1350.2, and related instructions, ensures every service member has access to fair treatment and recourse. Using DA Form 7279 protects individual rights while maintaining good order and discipline.
Important: Submitting a false complaint is punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
Additional Resources
- Official Army Publishing Directorate: armypubs.army.mil
- AR 600-20 (Army Command Policy) — Primary regulation.
- Local Equal Opportunity Advisor or SHARP representative.
- Inspector General (IG) for certain complaints.
- DoD resources on Military Equal Opportunity.
Download DA Form 7279 PDF:
Direct Link to Official Form
If you are experiencing discrimination or harassment, contact your chain of command, unit EOA, or IG promptly. Early reporting helps resolve issues effectively and upholds Army values.