Dec 7, 2024 Story by: Editor
A list of senior military officers promoting diversity, compiled by the conservative American Accountability Foundation, has unsettled Pentagon leaders. The list, reportedly aimed at targeting officers for dismissal if Pete Hegseth is confirmed as Secretary of Defense, highlights 20 general officers or senior admirals, disproportionately female.
Tom Jones, leading the foundation, described the officers as “egregious” DEI policy advocates, claiming such values have “no place in the military.”
This controversial move aligns with Hegseth’s support for ending diversity programs. However, former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel warned that targeting officers could devastate morale and mission focus, stating, “You will drive people out… it creates a negative dynamic.”
The list includes nine Air Force generals, seven Navy admirals, and four Army generals, with actions like promoting diversity or addressing racial equity cited as reasons for inclusion. One female officer was named for her statement: “Diversity is our strength,” while another faced scrutiny for a speech celebrating Women’s Equality Day.
The Pentagon faces challenges balancing diversity advocacy with political pressures. Karoline Leavitt, a Trump transition team spokesperson, emphasized no policy is official unless approved by the president-elect. Meanwhile, Hegseth reaffirmed Trump’s intent to eliminate “woke” influences, with Trump publicly supporting Hegseth as a “WINNER.”
The letter accompanying the list underscores conservative concerns about “leftist ideology” undermining military focus, citing national security threats from Iran, Russia, and China. However, critics fear the approach risks polarizing the ranks and compromising effectiveness. Source: Politico
