In his inaugural address to Pentagon personnel, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth openly criticized the military's longstanding diversity and inclusion policies, claiming they foster division rather than cohesion among troops. Hegseth argued against the notion that diversity is a strength, asserting instead that it undermines unity. He emphasized a need for unconventional approaches at the Pentagon, aligned with directives from President Trump. This address comes amid ongoing debates over military inclusiveness and policies targeting minority groups, particularly those concerning transgender service members, reflecting a broader culture war over military values and operations.
I think the single dumbest phrase in military history is our diversity is our strength.' said Mr. Hegseth, who served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 2001 to 2021.
Mr. Hegseth dismantled diversity, equity and inclusion policies at the Pentagon because they served a purpose of dividing the force as opposed to uniting the force.
We're going to take unconventional approaches," he said during his first public address to the Pentagon workforce.
The U.S. military, which was racially segregated until 1948, has at times made an effort to be more inclusive to women and minorities.
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