Special Observances

SSG Alleria Stanley — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 09:03:13 -0400

Why do we continue to have Special Observances? After all, with open service for all, haven’t we mastered Diversity and Inclusion by now?

Good question. And the answer is…no; not by a lot. President Truman integrated the armed forces in 1948. 81 years later, African-Americans still suffer from discrimination and bigotry throughout society, and yes, even within our military. Women have been part of America’s military tradition since 1775, but not always openly. During the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, they participated in ancillary roles, and when in combat, they did so disguised as men. The first woman to enlist, as herself, was not until 1917. There were no women in the academies until 1976! And women were not part of combat units until 2016; prior to that year, they had served in combat as war does not stay within boundaries too well. They distinguished their efforts with Honor, and enthusiasm.

In the realm of LGBTQ+, it has been even more complicated. While these individuals have served throughout our history, it has only recently been openly. Prior to President Clinton and the introduction of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, discovery of one’s homosexuality or other queerness was grounds for immediate discharge. With DADT, one could serve, as long as no one ever found out. For those who have not had to hide major parts of their life else face loss of their livelihoods do not know the fear which enveloped these Servicemembers. At any moment, one’s career could come to a crashing end. In 2010, DADT ended and open service was welcomed for the LGB.

That is not a typo. LGB could openly serve, but still the transgender individuals could not. The fear continued. 30 June 2016, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter opened service to transgender individuals. And while the next administration reversed course, in 2021, President Biden restored open service.

So, we are good! Laws, regulations, policies and orders have brought all of us into service for our country, regardless of race (1948), being female (2016), sexual orientation (2010), and gender identity (2021). Yet, Servicemembers are still harassed. Discrimination occurs regularly. Sexual harassment and sexual assault are shockingly not rarities, but commonly shared histories amongst our ranks. Open bigotry is less often found, yet a visit to social media will quickly reveal the dark bigotry alive and well.

These observances, then, are still essential. More so, they must not be “check-the-box” activities. Too, they should not be events where your absence is noteworthy; attendance may not be mandatory, but you had better be there. We often celebrate distinctions of our individual groups, and slowly more often, we utilize these opportunities to learn about those to our left and right in America’s formations.

Any self-respecting infantry Soldier will tell you that without them, no one will win a war. True, but it is the diversity in our job fields that enables that Soldier to fight and win. Cooks, supply, medics, intelligence gatherers, and clerks may not be the image of the combat Soldier, yet without them, that Soldier will soon be hungry, out of bullets, possibly wounded, unsure of where the enemy is or how strong and worse – not being correctly paid! It takes an Army to be an Army. And an Air Force to parachute them (Airborne!), bomb the enemy, and bring more supplies. The Navy, and with them, our beloved Marines, achieve many of those results on the world’s oceans.

Thus, since we recognize that we need all these parts to make an overwhelmingly strong whole, that we need that Diversity, and that all are important and play a role, why is it so difficult to recognize that is true within our ranks? As our skills, intelligence, and talents are spread throughout the services, so are they spread throughout our individuals. Men bring their strengths and talents, as do women, persons of color, LGBTQ, and our whole spectrum. We are all valuable.

Diversity is our force multiplier. Together, we are successful. Our nation protects and defends our Constitution by living the freedoms enshrined within that very document.

Out of many, one.

Response by SrA Sheila Holmes made Jun 14 at 2021 3:07 PM

SrA Sheila Holmes — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 15:07:57 -0400

Exactly! Mind if I share this so long as I quote you?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2021 8:44 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 20:44:16 -0400

There needs to be respect among all, top and down. Introducing the human element, the best weapon we have, allows us to become more combat ready to 'Fight Tonight'. Disregarding our differences or pretending that we're all carbon copies of one another hurts our ability to move, shoot and communicate. Creating distrust, dissent and above all eliminating our overall readiness.

Response by CPL LaForest Gray made Jun 14 at 2021 9:11 PM

CPL LaForest Gray — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 21:11:32 -0400

#Humanity

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Jun 18 at 2021 9:23 PM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 21:23:08 -0400

Its to bad that many organization dont embrace DIVERSITY as a MULTIPLIER!

Response by LTC David Brown made Jun 19 at 2021 7:20 PM

LTC David Brown — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 19:20:01 -0400

I am going to call a little BS on this. My brother and some of my friends were constantly passed over for promotions and advancement so women and minorities could advance.. When I was at Madigan the Chief Nurse was slated to be promoted to Chief of The Army Nurse Corps. The Madigan Medical Center got passed over so the Army Nurse Corp could have its first Black General.

Response by PO1 Mike Wallace made Jul 2 at 2021 12:52 PM

PO1 Mike Wallace — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 12:52:21 -0400

Creating special conditions, including recognition, based on skin is the definition of racism. The same is true when it comes to religion, sexual orientation and more. I'm not 'woke' so I'm unaware of what the terminology is today or what it might be tomorrow.

Response by LTC Francis Irwin made Jul 26 at 2021 12:28 AM

LTC Francis Irwin — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 00:28:31 -0400

I've never seen any data that diverse units have better combat performance. Call it more ethical, call it in line with your values, but please don't justify your social policy by telling military professionals that something is a force multiplier.

Response by CMSgt Marcus Falleaf made Jul 26 at 2021 2:24 PM

CMSgt Marcus Falleaf — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 14:24:44 -0400

Each time you highlight one group of people, you cast a shadow over the rest.

Response by MSgt John Hamilton made Jul 30 at 2021 11:15 AM

MSgt John Hamilton — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 11:15:47 -0400

I don't believe in inclusion or diversity, I believe in meritocracy.

Response by SGT Nickolas Ortiz made Aug 19 at 2021 1:32 AM

SGT Nickolas Ortiz — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 01:32:16 -0400

The idea of gay/straight is irrelevant. Combat readiness is the ONLY thing that matters. LGBTQXYZ... if you fall in that category, then good for you. If you do not help combat readiness, then you don't serve. A person with no legs does not get to be Special Forces... someone with diabetes is ineligible to serve... missing an eye can't get you into a pilot seat. There has always been gay people serving in the Military... but to need to change your gender on the dime of the American Citizen is where I draw the line. It's not an open for paying for your needs... it's a contract to the needs of the Country.

Response by CMSgt Marcus Falleaf made Aug 19 at 2021 9:29 PM

CMSgt Marcus Falleaf — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 21:29:39 -0400

????

Response by SGT Nickolas Ortiz made Sep 9 at 2021 2:46 AM

SGT Nickolas Ortiz — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 02:46:46 -0400

BOTTOM LINE: "Diversity" for the sake of diversity is a morale killer, NOT inclusive, does not reward merit or accomplishment, and is detrimental to the success of a organization. Diversity of thought is THE only thing diverse that is warranted. Intrinsic characteristics, like your paint job or where you were born, are irrelevant. Being the best at what you do, or the skills you can add to the group, THAT'S important.

Response by CWO3 Robert Fong made Sep 15 at 2021 1:20 PM

CWO3 Robert Fong — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 13:20:03 -0400

SSG, well, let me try to answer this one with a few less lines. The NEW AND IMPROVED military is going WOKE what with CRT, 1619 Project, and Gen Milley going off on a tangent. I'll tell you how the military works best together regardless of race, color, creed, gender, etc. and that is when some dude downrange is popping caps at you. Or maybe you're on the Bearing Sea with a raging storm blowing 50 knts and 35–40-foot seas and the water temp is 34 deg. and such similar situations. When your butt is in the ever-loving sling the only thing you want to see is a "good guy camo" coming to bail you out, or some coxswain taking you back to your Cutter in that storm. We're all taught teamwork. "None of this individuality stuff." as Gen Patton would say. I've found that if you've been in for more than 16 weeks, you get the idea how it's all supposed to work, otherwise your longevity is going to be cut real short. Now let me pop your balloon for a moment. This military of ours is filled with politicians (E-7,8 and 9) and (O-6 to O-10). It's about the Star! There is something about the Star that makes you function like a congressman. Ever hear of Ring Knockers? Nothing wrong with politics as long as it does not screw up the mission, unit, or personnel. Now this politics is not necessarily fair, but it is there, and it will always be there as long as there is a carrot to bite.

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Dec 13 at 2021 11:29 AM

SPC Chris Ison — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 11:29:28 -0500

A study conducted by a guy at the VA found that the incidence of transgenderism in the military is higher in the veteran population than in the general public. His conclusions were two fold for FTM the ability to move and function in an environment where the females masculinity would not be called into question was a preferred work area; and for MTF the drive to try and prove ones manhood resulted in higher performing soldiers.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristin_Beck.

I would rather have this woman in my foxhole, than any of you homophobic strait guys.

Kristin Beck. - Wikipedia

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2021 12:34 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 12:34:28 -0500

You just post shit to post shit now. The crap in this article does not occur today, maybe 10 years ago, but not today. Stop writing this BS

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2022 4:43 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 16:43:40 -0500

Last I checked, we were all green in the military. Advancement based on anything besides merit and leadership severely compromises our readiness.
Members of the armed forces need to lose their obsession with race, religion, etc. And focus on the mission.
That being said, bias works both ways. And it needs to end. It shouldn't matter who is in the hole next to you, as long as you have each other's six.
And for the haters, I'm not saying bias doesn't happen. I know it does. But it needs to end across the board. That's not going to happen by increasing it for select groups.
Do your job, and drive on.

Response by SPC Lawanda Boddie made Feb 16 at 2022 7:08 AM

SPC Lawanda Boddie — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 07:08:52 -0500

Back in history as we all should know, provided the educational system did its job, the military was not designed for anyone other than white males. Yes, black men did serve; but they were not only separated and segregated, but also dismissed, demeaned, overlooked and unrecognized. Then, when women and other minorities were finally graced with the privilege of serving, they were treated in the same manner. Therefore, to ensure adequate, proper, and equal representation and promotions, yes, the armed forces had to be forced to treat them equally. Had the armed forces at that time been able to treat them in the same manner as they treated white men, then they wouldn’t have been forced to do so. That’s what is being forgotten. I apologize that the educational system failed so many in that these facts were not taught or maybe just not learned. I was part of the very first integrated male and female basic training unit at fort Jackson back in 1993, so it was something big back then; however, if it took until 1993 for the sexes to be integrated image how segregated things were before then? So, I say again, because the armed forces favored white males in all aspects, they required being forced to do the right thing. While some areas have improved with the implementation of using points for things like advancement and promotions, other areas are still lacking now in 2022. So, look at the ENTIRE picture, from start to present, before making such insensitive and plain I’ll-mannered, uninformed, and inaccurate statements.

Response by PO2 Jimmie Shelnutt made Mar 1 at 2022 1:44 PM

PO2 Jimmie Shelnutt — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 13:44:59 -0500

Perhaps we should look at the value of the individual and not make premier their group identity. As MLK said so eloquently, honor their character not their color.

Response by LTC Ray Buenteo made Mar 11 at 2022 1:01 PM

LTC Ray Buenteo — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 13:01:20 -0500

Promotion, assignment and recognition of acoomplishment should be based on a service members performance, professional development and needs of the military. To celebrate the “first” of any special interest group, race, gender, sexual orientation etc does not serve the needs of the military. All these “first” appointments serve the agenda of that group and promotes discrimination of those who do not participate or belong to that community . The military in and of itself is a community and when serve members are recognized based on their individual differences it promotes divisiveness and covert resentment . A soldier, Airman, Sailor, Marine, NCO, Officer, etc of the quarter, year command, etc should be based on merit and not gender, sexual orientation, trans, or soome other discrimination or racist based standard. For example When you call to attention the first “transgender soldier” of the quarter it is no longer about a soldiers accomplishment it’s about a person’s individual choice to exercise a life choice. The soldiers who are in competition are being told “you are clearly an outstanding soldier but your choice not to be transgender removes you from competition. It states we are not looking for the best soldier but the most accomplished transgender soldier!

Response by SPC Louis Williams made Mar 24 at 2022 4:42 PM

SPC Louis Williams — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 16:42:18 -0400

Your political leaders do not believe in the very document you hold so true.

Response by SFC Jim Freshour made May 4 at 2022 8:33 PM

SFC Jim Freshour — Wed, 04 May 2022 20:33:17 -0400

The rainbow mafia is relentless in their demands. If you're of that persuasion zip your lip and soldier on.

Response by MAJ James Fitzgerald made Jun 4 at 2022 12:15 PM

MAJ James Fitzgerald — Sat, 04 Jun 2022 12:15:49 -0400

I know my thoughts on this will not be received with the intent I am sharing. That said, here we go.

In the past, there have been many wrongs against people of color and others. Today in society, we still have wrongs being perpetrated on others. Our challenge in uniform is to try and be above that, because our mission is to protect all Americans...ones we agree with and ones we do not agree with.

I remember when the volunteer Army idea took its place. There were many people that did not like the idea, thus VOLAR, or victory over leaders and rights. Today, all these years later, the voices of dissent are few. We don't spend much time thinking about or trying to undo it. I know there are those that think a draft produces a better, overall quality for our military. Some disagree with that of course, but overall it is not a subject of major concern for those in uniform.

One of the things that I can say for sure is diiversity is important in Corporate America. Why? There are many reasons, but people who are spending their hard earned money at some organization like to see people of their own color or ethnicity, etc working, managing and helping others. No, it is not an end-all answer, but it is true. How does that relate to the US Military? You will have to decide that for yourself.

People have lots of reasons for 'feeling' the way that they do, but those feelings do not or should not translate to hard facts or actions for or against individuals. My personal beliefs are based on what the Bible says, but I had 'known' LGB people who were in E-6 and above positions, along with people of color in E-6 and above positions. (late 70's/early 80's) In the civilian world, I treated everyone alike, regardless of what cultural descriptions were associated with the individual. I can't say that I can recall a transgender person, but there could have been and I wasn't aware.

Is there anyone completely unbiased? Maybe, but not likely in our World. I had a 'gay' General Manager who moved to another state where I did not travel. About two years after he departed, I got a very nice email from him thanking me for treating him like every other person in his role. Although appreciated, isn't that what every leader/manager should strive to do on a daily basis? I did not do anything special, just trying to treat people with respect. Candidly, I am sure I failed at that at times as well, maybe more than I can remember. None of us are gifted with perfection.

It's a very delicate subject. I hope that before I die, racism will be a thing of the past. Do I think it is better than years ago? Yes, I do. Is it still there, yes it is with some people. Our military men and women have enough challenges without adding in racism and other issues, etc. I sure hope this makes a difference for some people reading this post.

Lastly, promotions are not really about the job you have done in the past, rather it is more about your ability to take on additional responsibility, be that in the US Military or Corporate America. Did I ever think that someone got a job that I wanted was 'kissing up' or whatever term you may want to use? I sure did, but you know what, when the dust settled and life moved forward, I realized that it was in my best interest, even one of those being decades later.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity of feedback...

Response by SMSgt Billy Cesarano made Jun 24 at 2022 5:50 PM

SMSgt Billy Cesarano — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 17:50:27 -0400

You're logic is damaged, very, very damaged.

Response by SMSgt Billy Cesarano made Jun 24 at 2022 6:05 PM

SMSgt Billy Cesarano — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 18:05:33 -0400

You are wrong. You're logic is damaged. You're reasoning is flawed. Please provide examples of war where the diversity you describe here won the battle because of it.

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made Sep 22 at 2022 6:53 PM

CPO Jack De Merit — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 18:53:26 -0400

In 1975 I was the only E-7 Chief Lithographer in the entire Navy who passed the E-8 exam. I expected to be advanced but I was wrong. I received a notice from the Testing Center that I would not be advanced due to AFFIRMATIVE ACTION. I was aware of it but did not expect it to apply to my rate. I was also informed that a Naval Reserve Chief Lithographer, who was black, was getting the Billet. They gave me his name because we were both attached to the Encino, California Naval Reserve Center. I not only knew the man I also knew that he had not worked in PRINTING for more than 10 years and that he had not taken the exam in more than 15 years and did not qualify. I informed the Testing Center of this and they said that he was black and that was all that mattered. I enlisted in 1961 and made Chief in 1971 and was not advanced until 1972. From 1975 until I was asked to retire in 1990, there was never a Billet for E-8 or E-9 Lithographer yet I was told that I HAD TO RETIRE AS I WAS NOT ADVANCING IN RATE. It did not matter that I was the Command Chief Petty Officer for 17 years and Administrative Department Head in lieu of a Lieutenant and Assistant Training Officer with a full Commander who did nothing. Or that I was instrumental in developing a "Sound Silencing Program," for the Submarine Fleet. I was Retired in February of 1990 and recalled in July of 1990 to go to Pearl Harbor and teach the Sound Silencing Program to ALL the Submariners stationed there. I received free airline passage to and from Hawaii, free room and board but no pay. My I.D. cards expiration date is INDEFINITE. MAKES ME WONDER WHO BENEFITTED FROM AFFIRMATIVE ACTION. I sure did not.

Response by PO2 Jimmie Shelnutt made Oct 5 at 2022 12:20 PM

PO2 Jimmie Shelnutt — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 12:20:07 -0400

There is little to be thankful of when one reaches my own great age. But one thing I am grateful for is that my military career was spent in a era when the purpose of our armed forces was simply to fight and win wars. That now once noble military service seems overwhelmingly defined by those endlessly whimpering about "gender" and "feelings" is to me beyond distasteful. For you who serve today I have great pity. For my country I have great fear.

Response by CWO3 Robert Fong made Nov 8 at 2022 10:37 AM

CWO3 Robert Fong — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 10:37:54 -0500

Sgt, as in the civilian world so it is in the military world; politics is everywhere and not necessarily for the good of the organization or it's people. I chose Warrant over a Direct for those reasons. You will not be able to hide from it, you must; however, learn to exist living with its beastly head spewing fire. Do not try to be the Dragon Slayer that has been tried and the field of battle is littered with challengers but on the other hand do not sell out to political hacks and buy the Snake Oil they offer. You do what is required of you and then some. Do not tarnish your brass. You will win some and lose some, it is the way it is. It may not be right or seem fair, but lately meritocracy has been cast to the wind and Readiness has been the victim.