DyNAMC Issue 13 August 2016 Military Preview | Page 11

Early on, as militias were established in light of the coming revolution, black soldiers as well as female soldiers fought alongside the “traditional” white male soldiers. Even so, as the country evolved, the military became known as a white male dominated culture. Exceptions did exist, however, including, but not limited to, the Free Men of Color (War of 1812), the 54th Massachusetts Infantry (Civil War), the Buffalo Soldiers (Indian Wars), 10th Cavalry Regiment (Spanish American War), enlistees (WWI), the Tuskegee Airmen (WWII), and the Women’s Army Corps (WWII). In 1948, with executive order 9981, President Harry S. Truman abolished racial discrimination in the United States Armed Forces and began to pave the way for civil rights. Later, in 1951, the last all black army regiment disbanded. In more recent years, the U.S. Military has advanced forward in changing policies that now embrace a diverse military culture, including more women in leadership roles. In addition, members of the LGBT community have successfully served in the military for years, prior to and even during the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. The policy has now been repealed and the LGBT community is no longer chastised. Today, men and women, of many different colors, religions, cultural backgrounds, and lifestyles and in the air. In reality, given the current global atmosphere, these soldiers know they must be brothers and sisters in arms to get the job done well and the mission goal achieved successfully. The progression of passing policies brings equality and diversity to the forefront in the military, essentially setting the military up to become the example for our society. The road has been long, but change has come and continues to come. There are still strides to be taken, and in this issue, we will explore the military successes and remaining areas for improvement in its effort to become a true blueprint for our diverse society. Be inspired! Read More >>