This blog originally appeared at MSNBC.
Multiple defense officials have recently voiced concerns about the negative impact of anti-LGBTQ+ laws on military recruitment and retention. These officials have emphasized that discriminatory policies can hinder the military’s ability to attract and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ individuals. Such laws can create a hostile and unwelcoming environment, leading potential recruits to choose other career paths or discouraging current service members from reenlisting. The statements from these defense officials highlight the importance of fostering inclusivity and equality within the military to ensure its strength and effectiveness.
It is true that there are differing views within the conservative movement regarding the United States military’s diversity and inclusion efforts. While some conservatives have criticized these efforts, claiming they contribute to perceived weakness, others recognize the importance of inclusivity in the military for recruitment and retention purposes.
Senator Tommy Tuberville’s remarks, suggesting a lenient attitude towards white nationalists in the military, received criticism for downplaying concerns about extremism within the ranks. It is important to note that military leaders have consistently emphasized the value of diversity and inclusion initiatives as they contribute to a stronger and more effective force. These efforts are seen as crucial for attracting and retaining talented individuals from various backgrounds who can contribute to the mission and success of the military.
The stance taken by Senator Tuberville is not representative of all conservatives or their views on diversity and inclusion in the military. It is a complex and nuanced topic with varying opinions within the conservative movement.
If service members are thinking and concerned about the experience their kids are having, they’re not going to be focused on their jobs.
ALEX WAGNER, ASST. AIR FORCE SECRETARY
Civilian lawmakers in the Republican Party, many of whom have never served and show no discernible credibility on how to run a modern-day military operation, are some of the loudest critics claiming such measures are a waste of time or injurious to morale.
(Check out my MSNBC colleague Steve Benen’s excellent post on the GOP’s anti-diversity crusade against the military from January.)
Fortunately, people better equipped to make these judgments are speaking up. Pentagon officials have been setting the record straight this week.
At the Center for a New American Security’s annual National Security Conference on Tuesday, a high-ranking Air Force official explained that the nationwide wave of anti-LGBTQ laws passed by conservative lawmakers could hurt the military’s readiness.
“When I’m forced to move families from installations because their school will do nothing when their LGBT kid is being bullied — that worries me, because that’s distracting from the mission, that’s detracting from our readiness,” said Alex Wagner, assistant Air Force secretary for manpower and reserve affairs. Defense One, a news site focused on national security, was the first outlet to report the comments.
“If service members are thinking and concerned about the experience their kids are having, they’re not going to be focused on their jobs,” Wagner said. “They’re not gonna be focused on their mission.”
Seems logical, right? If military folks are worried about weirdo lawmakers obsessively finding ways to target their kids, they’re not going to be able to do the important stuff we expect them to do … like, y’know, protecting the nation.
The hits kept coming.
At a Department of Defense Pride Month event on Wednesday, Space Force Chief Operating Officer Lt. Gen. DeAnna Burt pointed out that “more than 400 anti-LGBTQ+ laws have been introduced at the state level” since January.
“That number is rising and demonstrates a trend that could be dangerous for our service members, their families and the readiness of the force as a whole,” she said.
click here to see full blog: https://www.msnbc.com/the-reidout/reidout-blog/pentagon-officials-say-gops-bigoted-bills-are-hurting-military-rcna88445?fbclid=IwAR0WF91gKs28BvpuMzWrqQ77Xmn8O1W2OQQUy_vZocDzmASUzDsJ5tD47oM
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