The Pentagon has defended military diversity and inclusion training programs amid criticism, saying that they are essential for recruiting the “right people,” New York Post reported.
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby was asked last Tuesday about GOP lawmakers making websites urging military whistleblowers to report progressive diversity training programs.
“We certainly respect the oversight that Congress provides. I’m not going to comment on any specific one initiative that members of Congress might be doing,” Kirby said. “What I can speak to is what we’re really focused on here at the department and that’s defending the nation. And that means putting in place the right resources, the right strategies, the right operational concepts to do that, around the world.”
Kirby said “good people” are needed to keep military systems operating.
“And the secretary has been very clear and fairly unapologetic about the fact that we want to get all the best talent that we can available from the American people,” Kirby said. “If you meet the standards and you’re qualified to be in the military — and you’re willing to raise your hand and serve this country — we want you to be able to do and we want you to be able to do it free of hate and fear and discrimination,” he said.
