The Military and Veterans' Room
So now some are cheering the fact that a large number of young men are not eligible for the military because of drug use and criminal convictions. Because that means more women in the military. Oh boy.
Do we want diversity of skills? Or diversity of body parts and skin color?
A Few Broken Men - The American Mind
Agroup of military experts recently gathered at the Naval Academy to discuss military recruiting and retention challenges. Analyzing what military demographics would be in 2040, the panelists concluded that men are not the top priority. In fact, all the “diverse” points of view on the panel agreed that the military will have to move beyond the American man and embrace the feminization of the armed forces.
In its coverage of the conference, the Military Times relies heavily on the opinions of Lindsay Cohn, an associate professor of national security affairs at the Naval War College. Cohn believes that drug use and felony convictions will continue to reduce the male population’s eligibility for military service: one in seven American men commit felonies, which means that they are generally prohibited from serving in the military. And since women have higher rates of college education, they will continue to qualify for the officer ranks at a greater rate than men.
A rational American citizen may see this set of circumstances as an emergency, but experts like Cohn and the Military Times relish this new reality as it moves the needle toward the military’s gender diversity goals.
[BUT]
The American military has historically been diverse. It has in crucial moments drawn on the many talents of the American population. For example, when George Washington crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776, he relied on the abilities of soldiers from Massachusetts, whose maritime background enabled the Continental Army to conduct an amphibious operation that defeated a Hessian garrison in the Battle of Trenton.
Furthermore, Washington’s appointment as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army was a kind of “diversity” assignment. John Adams recognized that Washington’s background and status as a prominent Virginian would help bring the southern colonies into the fight against the British.
No one objects to diversity as it relates to accomplishing the mission. Diversity of skills, knowledge, and background can be a strength. When I was in the Marine Corps, my company deployed to North Africa and conducted training with French forces. Having Marines who knew how to speak French was valuable. That type of diverse talent was mission enhancing.
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Originally Posted by Peter1469
