Army ends anonymous harassment complaints, requiring ID for most reports

The U.S. Army will no longer accept anonymous complaints about prohibited discrimination, mandating that complainants identify themselves to Military Equal Opportunity officials.

The Department of War has issued new guidance that eliminates anonymous submissions to the Military Equal Opportunity program for alleged prohibited discrimination or harassment. Under War Secretary Pete Hegseth's order, service members must disclose their identity when filing such complaints, though the information will generally stay confidential. Anonymous tips may still be acted upon if they include enough actionable specifics.

The revision applies across the Army, including the National Guard and Reserve, but leaves intact the protected reporting mechanisms for sexual harassment, hazing and bullying. Additionally, the Army has refined its harassment definition to exclude conduct that occurs during official military activities conducted professionally, such as basic training or physical education. The policy reflects Hegseth's broader effort to curb what he describes as misuse of reporting systems while still enforcing illegal discrimination. Commanders retain discretion to investigate credible anonymous information.