Posted on Apr 6, 2015
Does White Privilege really exist in our military? "Army says diversity training sent wrong signal... "
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What are your thoughts on this topic, this training, this manual?
I, personally, believe we have come a long way in the America and in our Army, but I also know (A) we are not there yet, and (B) I know that I see the world through my eyes and life experiences.
1. As you know (or may not know) the concept of "white privilege" appeared in the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) training manual in 2013. DOD officials quickly said it was a mistake, and it that this was not caught in the fielding of the policy manual... That makes sense, as many don't actually read things they approve. That led me/us to believe there was a change in the works.
2. Now, it appears this concept, which was supposed to be removed the DOD training manual/POI, was not, and DEOMI is still pushing this message. Now, it appears we have an EO Officer or NCO teaching this to Soldiers...
Interesting to say the least.
These are some related articles.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/04/03/army-diversity-training/25250733/
http://toprightnews.com/army-soldiers-forced-to-sit-through-white-privilege-presentation-and-the-backlash-is-just-beginning/
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/10/31/pentagon-training-manual-white-males-have-unfair-advantages/
I, personally, believe we have come a long way in the America and in our Army, but I also know (A) we are not there yet, and (B) I know that I see the world through my eyes and life experiences.
1. As you know (or may not know) the concept of "white privilege" appeared in the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) training manual in 2013. DOD officials quickly said it was a mistake, and it that this was not caught in the fielding of the policy manual... That makes sense, as many don't actually read things they approve. That led me/us to believe there was a change in the works.
2. Now, it appears this concept, which was supposed to be removed the DOD training manual/POI, was not, and DEOMI is still pushing this message. Now, it appears we have an EO Officer or NCO teaching this to Soldiers...
Interesting to say the least.
These are some related articles.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/04/03/army-diversity-training/25250733/
http://toprightnews.com/army-soldiers-forced-to-sit-through-white-privilege-presentation-and-the-backlash-is-just-beginning/
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/10/31/pentagon-training-manual-white-males-have-unfair-advantages/
Equal Opportunity Advisor
Racism
Diversity
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 64
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VERY INTERESTING!
As Female who Enlisted with BA degree, I have definite opinions!
Agree with SGT Khalid Wise!
I Actually experienced reverse discrimination and Definite Sexual bias against me as SP4(P) in ARMY 1983-1987!
Also stationed at Combat Post in Germany before the ‘Wall’ came down!
As Female who Enlisted with BA degree, I have definite opinions!
Agree with SGT Khalid Wise!
I Actually experienced reverse discrimination and Definite Sexual bias against me as SP4(P) in ARMY 1983-1987!
Also stationed at Combat Post in Germany before the ‘Wall’ came down!
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Sad sad sad. I was an Air Force brat. I grew up and played with who ever lived close to me. White, black, latino we were kids and did not know that there was a supposed to be a difference with us. When I was in it was the same. We were held together in a common bond. There was nothing received, good or bad, that not every person in my unit would not receive the same. That was 10 years or more ago, so why now the change?
Has the Army became racist in the last 10 years? So now we are going to make an issue out of a non-issue. Perfect! Anything to keep us from wanting to kill the enemy. Keep the strife up in the ranks.
Has the Army became racist in the last 10 years? So now we are going to make an issue out of a non-issue. Perfect! Anything to keep us from wanting to kill the enemy. Keep the strife up in the ranks.
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maybe a little in the officer corps. Just check the family names of all the academy grads. But the whole white privilege is total BS. Just another way to feel like a victim.
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COL Charles Williams
MSgt (Join to see) Hooah. Perhaps, but don't or didn't see it. As I said, as the son of single mom from NJ, who enlisted, I feel I earned everything I got based on my effort and merit.
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Army is worried too many white men lead combat units
U.S. Army sociologists are worried that a lack of black officers leading its combat troops will have detrimental effect on minorities and lead to fewer black officers in top leadership posts.
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CH (CPT) Heather Davis
1980
DOD issued its first sexual harassment policy statement (in 1981
the SecDef issued a memorandum emphasizing that sexual
harassment was unacceptable conduct).
1981 DOD issued a policy that banned homosexuals from military service.
1985
Air Force assigned the first women to Minuteman/Peacekeeper
missile launch crews.
1989 Servicewomen participated in Operation Just Cause.
1990–
1991
More than 40,000 women participated in Operations Desert Shield
and Desert Storm, many in nontraditional roles. Two women were
prisoners of war and five women died due to hostile action.
1993
SecDef directed the military services to open combat aircraft and
ships to women. Congress repealed laws prohibiting women from
assignment aboard combatant vessels.
1993
SecDef directed implementation of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy
allowing discreet homosexuals to serve in the military.
1994
Since SecDef Memo, DOD opened an additional 260,000 positions
to women. Today 80 percent (versus 67 percent before SecDef
Memo) of military positions are open to women.
DOD issued its first sexual harassment policy statement (in 1981
the SecDef issued a memorandum emphasizing that sexual
harassment was unacceptable conduct).
1981 DOD issued a policy that banned homosexuals from military service.
1985
Air Force assigned the first women to Minuteman/Peacekeeper
missile launch crews.
1989 Servicewomen participated in Operation Just Cause.
1990–
1991
More than 40,000 women participated in Operations Desert Shield
and Desert Storm, many in nontraditional roles. Two women were
prisoners of war and five women died due to hostile action.
1993
SecDef directed the military services to open combat aircraft and
ships to women. Congress repealed laws prohibiting women from
assignment aboard combatant vessels.
1993
SecDef directed implementation of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy
allowing discreet homosexuals to serve in the military.
1994
Since SecDef Memo, DOD opened an additional 260,000 positions
to women. Today 80 percent (versus 67 percent before SecDef
Memo) of military positions are open to women.
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CH (CPT) Heather Davis
COL Williams:
Respectfully Sir, follow the evidence diversity started back in 1940 and it has been in a limited capacity. I remember being an E-5, back in 1988 and one of the first females in my unit. I was punched in the face in formation. I have served over 31 years and respectfully; I have plowed some rocky ground.
Respectfully Sir, follow the evidence diversity started back in 1940 and it has been in a limited capacity. I remember being an E-5, back in 1988 and one of the first females in my unit. I was punched in the face in formation. I have served over 31 years and respectfully; I have plowed some rocky ground.
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CH (CPT) Heather Davis
COL Williams:
I greatly appreciate you bringing this topic up. I am currently working on my Ph.D. in Advance Studies in Behavior. In many cases diversity is not mentored, supported, and many of our female veterans, studies show 1 in 5 have been sexually assaulted, and many become homeless. In my Chaplain Corp class we had 180 in my class, and only 14 females.
I greatly appreciate you bringing this topic up. I am currently working on my Ph.D. in Advance Studies in Behavior. In many cases diversity is not mentored, supported, and many of our female veterans, studies show 1 in 5 have been sexually assaulted, and many become homeless. In my Chaplain Corp class we had 180 in my class, and only 14 females.
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CH (CPT) Heather Davis
A barrier to minorities becoming high-ranking officers was a desire to move into the civilian world. According to the report, research found that many minorities enlist in the military because they seek knowledge and training to help them in the outside job market, and therefore choose jobs in transportation, food services, military police and finance. Opportunities for promotion to general-officer rank in these fields are much more limited than those in combat arms, the commission stated.
In addition, some minorities in the military interviewed by the commission “commented that Army Green Berets and Rangers were believed by many to be white organizations with racist attitudes,” so they shunned those services, according to the report.
In addition, some minorities in the military interviewed by the commission “commented that Army Green Berets and Rangers were believed by many to be white organizations with racist attitudes,” so they shunned those services, according to the report.
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I think it is beyond time for everyone to get over the race card. The more this is perpetuated, the more one race or another is alienated and racism persist. I sincerely do not agree with the premise of "white privilege" being a factor in today's society. Of course maybe its only because I grew up dirt poor with no better opportunities as those whom claim it does exist. So maybe its a "wealth" issue and not a "white" issue, nonetheless I opted to seize every opportunity presented to me and applied myself, worked hard and didn't blame anyone else for what I did or didn't have. I think we lessen the value of the individuals achievement when you don't allow everyone to compete fairly for what they get. You also don't always get the best of the best if you create this false sense of fairness. It's high time we are all judged by our actions, abilities and content of character and not the color of our skin. The bottom line I find the term "white privilege" offensive and it is merely another form of racism.
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COL Charles Williams
SGT Michael Touchet. Thanks for your comments! I agree, and I am tired of the race card. I am also frustrated racism goes in all directions, but no one cares about any racism, except the stereotypical white vs. black. I was was the victim of reverse discrimination... which is what many call "the Army's dirty little secret." Thank you again.
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SFC Mark Merino
The EO NCO gave the brief and deviated from the lesson plan according to the article.
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Personally I think it's a bunch of garbage. The EO program is great in theory, but it is geared towards whites views on all other races. The Army is leaps and bounds ahead of the civilian world when it applies to equality. The thing is until we stop treating each other as black, white, male, female, and so on. Things will never change totally. When you put on that uniform you are a Soldier, Airman, Marine, Sailor, and so on, and should be treated accordingly. That is the only way we will all be treated fairly. Again just my opinion.
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Definitely wouldn't sit through that...Id take the hit on that one quick...that goes against a lot the army stands for and out of the military as far as morals too...unbelievable
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SGT (Join to see)
I mean, bullets don't discriminate ... So why should this be taught...besides it being a false accusation? This stuff like this makes it really hard to stay in...but I joined for more than money...
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COL Charles Williams
Interesting comments SGT (Join to see). This popped up a year or so ago, when this appeared in their publication. They said it was an editing error at that time. The other issues I see is senior leaders don't attend this training in most units; they just make sure Joe does. Also, many times the folks I have seen and have had as EOAs are not the A team.
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SGT (Join to see)
True sir, I've seen all kinds of different types of leaders and leadership styles...as well as you but I have noticed a declining Trend in leaders neglecting things like that...especially to pass things off on joe. The army doesn't have its problems I beleieve from just out of nowhere...it's start with things like negligence...or simple things as not completing monthly counselings...and it's said a leader who is neglegant towards counseling his subordinates are neglegant in their duties as well...and it can't be like that...a little off topic for an example but just the small things can build up to garbage like this...I wish people can understand anyone wearing a uniform can make a difference...even if your a small part of it...even the little guy gets a piece
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Suspended Profile
In my experience, on a personal level I've seen racism and sexism that favor white males coming from individuals, while racism and sexism favoring minority females exists on an institutional level. I'm not saying that's the general gist of it, but that's what I've experienced on the topic.
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In my 27 years in the Air Force, I had supervisors and subordinates of all races and both sexes. I worked hard to get the job done and that is how I earned my rank. I asked my subordinates to do the same. The only problem I ever had was with a female officer, OIC of my first duty section, and she just didn't like men in general. Didn't matter your race, she was an equal opportunity hater. I have never seen "white privilege" in the enlisted ranks or officer corps but I must admit I wasn't looking for it. I do know that for 0-6 and above promotion starts getting political but since I was not privy to what goes on behind closed doors I cannot say whether there were any privileges, white or otherwise, in the selection of those ranks.
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