By Tiffany Williams –
At the start of Black History Month, Pete Hegseth, the secretary of defense, sent out a statement entitled “Identity Months Dead at DoD.”
In his statement, Secretary Hegseth said, “Going forward, DoD Components and Military Departments will not use official resources, to include man-hours, to host celebrations or events related to cultural awareness months.”
The cultural awareness months or identity month’s Secretary Hegseth is talking about include National African American/Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Pride Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and National American Indian Heritage Month.
“Our unity and purpose are instrumental to meeting the Department’s warfighting mission. Efforts to divide the force – to put one group ahead of another – erode camaraderie and threaten mission execution,” Secretary Hegseth said. “Installations, units, and offices are encouraged to celebrate the valor and success of military heroes of all races, genders, and backgrounds as we restore our warrior culture and ethos. We are proud of our warriors and their history, but we will focus on the character of their service instead of their immutable characteristics.”
Secretary Hegseth added, “Service members and civilians remain permitted to attend these events in an unofficial capacity outside of duty hours.”
The statement from Secretary Hegseth came a day after President Trump issued a proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month.