US Navy and Marine Corps stop processing anonymous harassment, discrimination complaints

Published Aug 10, 06:39 PM UTC

The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps have announced they will no longer process anonymous reports of harassment and discrimination as part of Military Equal Opportunity (MEO) complaints, following a directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The policy change, outlined in a Navy-wide message, mirrors similar moves by the Army and Air Force. Hegseth argued that anonymous reporting programs had been 'weaponized' by individuals acting in bad faith. Service members can still file confidential reports, which allow them to receive support services without triggering an automatic investigation, and can later convert them into formal complaints. Confidentiality will not be maintained in cases of imminent threat of serious harm or intent to commit future crimes. Anonymous reports for sexual assault, hazing, and bullying remain accepted pending further guidance. The Navy and Marine Corps will also offer a conflict resolution process before formal investigations to resolve MEO concerns quickly. The changes comply with Pentagon memos from June and September 2025.