This regulation moves fast right now. AR 600-20 was reissued effective 6 February 2025, then again
effective 15 April 2026 — much faster than its historical ~5-year revision cycle. The 2025 reissue split the
SHARP program out into its own regulation (AR 600-52) and moved conduct-between-grades policy to AR 600-32.
Treat this as a plain-language map of the topics, not a citation — check current chapter numbers and program
ownership before you rely on anything specific.
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OVERVIEW & APPLICABILITY
The "commander's guide" — one of the largest, most-referenced regulations in the Army,
covering command responsibility, discipline, and the EO program.
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What It Covers
The policies and responsibilities of command — discipline and conduct, the Army well-being concept, and the Army Equal Opportunity Program.
Applies to the Regular Army, the Army National Guard/ARNGUS, and the U.S. Army Reserve
Portions of this regulation are punitive — violations can carry real administrative or UCMJ consequences
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SHARP Moved Out
Moved — AR 600-52
The Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program used to live here. It's now its own regulation.
Response, prevention, and reporting policy now lives in AR 600-52
It's not less important — it just has its own dedicated publication now
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Conduct Between Grades Moved
Moved — AR 600-32
What used to be discussed as "fraternization" policy now has its own home too.
Relationships and conduct between Soldiers of different grades are covered in AR 600-32 and its DA PAM
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Terminology & Policy Changes
A couple of quieter but notable changes from the 2025 reissue.
"Gender" was updated to "sex" throughout, matching recent federal terminology
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility policy/programs were removed from this regulation
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COMMAND RESPONSIBILITIES
What commanders are specifically on the hook for — not just leadership in the abstract, but named, checkable requirements.
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Command Climate Assessments
Required after taking command, and on a recurring basis — especially at battalion and brigade level.
Skipping a required climate assessment is treated as a command inspection failure
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Sponsorship Program
Commanders own the responsibility for the Total Army Sponsorship Program — welcoming and integrating new arrivals.
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Self-Reporting Convictions
Officers and senior enlisted members must self-report criminal convictions through their chain of command.
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Well-Being Concept
Commanders integrate well-being programs across the formation, rather than treating them as separate, disconnected efforts.
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DISCIPLINE & CONDUCT
The lines Soldiers can't cross, and what leaders are required to do when they see one crossed.
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Extremist Organizations & Activities
Expanded
Prohibits participation in extremist, terrorist, and criminal gang organizations and activities.
Now explicitly addresses social media conduct — a first for this policy
Commanders must notify their SJA or CID on any report of extremist activity in their unit
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Political Activities
Governs what political activity is and isn't allowed, especially in uniform or an official capacity.
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Hazing & Similar Conduct
Hazing, bullying, and similar behavior that erodes discipline and cohesion remain prohibited under command policy.
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EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & REDRESS
How Soldiers get heard, and how the Army is supposed to make sure they're treated fairly.
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Army Equal Opportunity Program
The framework for maintaining a climate of dignity and respect, and addressing discrimination complaints through proper channels.
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Redress Channels
Chain of command, Inspector General, and formal processes like Article 138 complaints — Soldiers have more than one way to raise a grievance.
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Religious Accommodation
Sets the process for requesting religious accommodation — the same process that feeds into AR 670-1 wear standards for approved beards, turbans, and hijabs.
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Human Relations Readiness Training
Required training and education to build and sustain a positive command climate.