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 The policy has now been repealed and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

>>