According to The Post Millennial, these initiatives are seen as crucial to the national security of the United States.
Hicks has been vocal about the necessity for a cultural shift within the military, a sentiment she expressed during several pride events, including one on June 5. As reported by Fox News, at a Department of Defense (DoD) pride event in collaboration with the Association of LGBTQI+ Service Members, Hicks highlighted the concerns of LGBTQ service members, with a special emphasis on "non-binary" individuals serving in the military.
June 26, 2024
"We've heard concerns about … policies focused on the needs of nonbinary service members. Please know our commitment is resolute, just as it has been over the past three-and-a-half years, to continue our progress in full alignment with our focus on readiness and our focus on the well-being of our people, on which our readiness depends," Hicks stated at the event. However, the Pentagon later clarified to the media outlet that there are currently no specific policies for "non-binary" military personnel at the DoD.
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A spokesperson for Hicks further elaborated on her remarks, stating, "Deputy Secretary Hicks spoke about the need for Americans to choose public service in order to sustain our all-volunteer force, and the need to ensure health, safety and trust within our military as a matter of readiness." The spokesperson emphasized that Hicks' comments were not limited to any specific policy but were indicative of a broader commitment to listening to servicemember input on a wide range of policies.
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Hicks also addressed the "erosion of trust" in various government institutions, suggesting that a greater emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives could bolster recruitment efforts. In a separate video from a 2022 pride event, Hicks linked "warfighting success" to an awareness of our "unconscious bias," stating, "Recruiting, developing and retaining a highly skilled military and civilian workforce of diverse talent is essential to our warfighting success."
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In a conversation with Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin, Hicks reiterated that DEI was a top priority for the Pentagon, stating, "Secretary Austin and I are committed to holding leaders at all levels responsible for fostering climates of inclusion that support dialog, including for LGBTQ+ community. This is a core readiness issue." The Pentagon has previously requested $114 million for various DEI initiatives, reflecting a broader trend within the Biden administration of prioritizing such initiatives across different agencies.
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While these initiatives are presented as a means to enhance national security and military readiness, they also raise questions about the potential implications for traditional military values and the role of the military in society. As the debate continues, the commitment of the Biden administration to these initiatives remains clear.
