Rep. Jack Bergman used a line of rhetorical questioning in a recent hearing to join GOP colleagues in their accusation that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the armed forces creates division, harms recruitment, and damages the command structure.
Since Truman's executive order ended segregation in the US military, our armed forces have focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The term DEI might be new, but the efforts are not. For over 75 years, the US has had the most diverse military force in the world, and by nearly every measure, it's been positive.
Bergman, who doesn't believe in the worth of DEI, asked DoD, Army, Navy, and Air Force panel members if DEI's impact on various personnel issues — readiness, recruitment, and command — has been positive or negative.
They responded one by one. "Positive. Positive. Positive. Definitely positive."
Their expert answers may have disappointed our Representative, but not American military families. Our Representative implied that the advancement of DEI initiatives causes the DoD's recruitment crisis. DEI is a solution, not the problem.
Bergman's opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the armed forces devalues the abilities of hundreds of thousands of current and future service members.
DEI has intrinsic value beyond metrics.
We have so many defense roles to fill. Rep. Bergman only reiterated combat 'fighting' roles. Yet, over 80% of our DoD jobs are non-combat. In any modern workplace, it's beneficial to celebrate everyone's diversity, promote fairness and justice in their treatment, and provide everyone with a sense of belonging, especially in service to their country.
Bergman joins a panel of GOP colleagues who hammered the DoD's DEI efforts as "wokeness." He said his questioning intended to tee up next year's hearing by "reviewing the numbers to show that DEI is positive... and not just posturing."
Anyone who devalues to abilities of our service members doesn't belong in Congress and it's one of the many reasons I'm running to de-elect Jack Bergman. We all deserve someone significantly more in touch with the American people.
To join my fight to replace Bergman, donate now.
