I have no problem with diversity but it needs to be based upon merit and effort.
The military and government should prioritize competence, experience, and leadership ability, not personal characteristics such as race, sex, or socioeconomic background.
Selecting individuals based on diversity metrics risks lowering standards and could lead to less qualified individuals being placed in crucial roles simply to meet demographic targets.Think hiring initiatives for black airline pilots that aren’t as qualified as pilots of other races just to bring in more black pilots to boost the numbers. We wouldn’t do that for the NBA or the NFL to get more white players that are less athletic and less deserving just to bring more numbers and diversity into that league yet there are many that believe it’s fine and dandy to do that in private and public sectors when these individuals are neither deserving nor qualified.
The best person for the job should be chosen regardless of background, rather than focusing on demographic representation. The claim that past leaders should have automatic privileges ignores the sacrifices, hardships, and individual achievements of those leaders.
Many successful figures, including those who were “pale, male, Christian, and Yale” educated earned their positions through merit, hard work, and leadership, not simply because of their identity.
While historical inequalities existed, many people from all backgrounds have faced hardships and earned success.
In institutions like the military and government sector, effectiveness and cohesion are more critical than demographic diversity for its own sake.
Prioritizing diversity over operational efficiency can lead to weaker decision-making, potentially compromising national security.
Studies have shown that forced diversity efforts can create division and resentment rather than unity. True fairness means equal opportunity, not equal outcomes or forced demographic representation.
If a group is underrepresented, it doesn’t necessarily mean discrimination, it could be due to different career preferences, interests, or qualifications. Instead of forcing diversity quotas, efforts should focus on removing barriers that prevent anyone from succeeding based on merit.
The military and government are already diverse with minority groups and continue to become more so organically, without the need for forced policies. The U.S. military, for example, is one of the most racially and socioeconomically diverse institutions in the country. Pushing for more artificial diversity suggests that past and current leadership lacks legitimacy, which can undermine morale and unity.
Viewing people primarily through the lens of their race, sex, or religion rather than their character, competence, and contributions fosters division, not inclusion. A true unifying vision should focus on shared values, duty, and excellence, not identity politics.
While diversity can be valuable, it should not be pursued at the expense of merit, effectiveness, or fairness. The military and government should focus on selecting the best people for the job, regardless of identity, rather than implementing policies that emphasize demographics over capability.