As my wife often reminds me, I’m writing from an “old school” perspective about the current military climate. And that’s indeed true leaving the Service in 1995. But we still had problems within the ranks probably akin to what they have today. We recognized them and took care of them through the leadership of commanders and NCOs. While no system is perfect, I thought we had a good way to save those that could be saved and rid ourselves of those who didn’t care to be saved. It worked—at least in my experience. Hopefully, they do it in similar fashion today but from what I’m reading I’m not so sure.
For example, the Air Force Academy (USAFA) is teaching Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). And yes, I did read how an Academy spokesman said it would aid on the battlefield but it sounds like his script was written by Kamala’s speechwriter. As a 25 year Air Force member, it’s embarrassing. But who doesn’t love a circular firing squad now that we’re seeing the “benefits” of progressive “thinking.” From Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG), to DEI, to Critical Race Theory to anything else coming from civilian leaders that the head-shed echos.
Seems military members are being told what to think, how to think, how to speak and how not to. How to be a victim or an oppressor. From the friends I have who went to the Academy, the first year was spent breaking everyone down. It taught the lessons of earning what you got. If you fail get up and keep going. Don’t let others hold you back. Commit yourself. You are part of something bigger than yourself. And, we’re all in this together. E Pluribus Unum?
So I’m disturbed, is segregation making a comeback? I was reading an article recently about the Tuskegee Airmen, the Red Tails. Tremendously gifted black airmen who were among the most decorated of WWII. Some of them flew well over 100 missions when white pilots were rotated out at 50. One was asked what he thought about black history. His response was that there is no black history, only American history. And even though poorly treated by many in a time of sanctioned Jim Crow laws, they got up, fought, and paved the way for future generations of leaders.
So DEI is thrust upon the military to give everyone a voice—unless you’re a straight, white male. But the pendulum always swings back. And fortunately, the destabilization created by programs such as this will turn to dust. But what damage will they do until then? Has the Service that I loved given way to pronouns, victims, and diversity. All in the name of equity and inclusion? The Pentagon says that there is systemic racism within the ranks. If so, who put it there? The media? Our civilian leaders? The men and women who grew up under us “old folks”? Or the culture that seems to have been thrust on young people for the last 20 years and has only 38% believing in patriotism? (Wall St Journal)
From the maintainers, support troops, engineers, cops, aircrew, they worked together. Did their best to support one another. They were brothers of different mothers. And I am sorely disappointed that leadership would seek to drive a wedge between them. But then again the people that I knew had one goal. One mission. To be the best and not let their brothers down. And damn if they didn’t carry through.
So ask those who did. Not those who never did. Those past have lost their voice but not their contribution. They were among those who you would be privileged to serve with. And the tears they shed for those they lost were color-blind. So don’t try to take their significance away. Because you can’t. Ever. Build on it.
Now junk the uselessness and get back to making the military a fighting force. Concentrate on innovation, professional expertise, and experience. Return to Mission, Men, and Me. If not, as General Curtis LeMay noted, “The price of failure may be paid with national survival.” Perhaps my perspective of what’s happening is incorrect. But then again perhaps not. And perhaps the “old school” wasn’t that bad
If you enjoyed this article, then please REPOST or SHARE with others; encourage them to follow AFNN. If you’d like to become a citizen contributor for AFNN, contact us at managingeditor@afnn.us
Truth Social: @AFNN_USA
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/afnnusa
Telegram: https://t.me/joinchat/2_-GAzcXmIRjODNh
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AfnnUsa
GETTR: https://gettr.com/user/AFNN_USA
Parler: https://parler.com/AFNNUSA
CloutHub: @AFNN_USA