The Department of Defense (DoD) is requesting roughly $114.7 million for its “diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility” (DEIA) programs in the upcoming fiscal year. The request, outlined in the Strategic Management Plan for the fiscal years 2022-2026, highlights the DoD’s commitment to “dedicated diversity and inclusion activities.”
“This funding across the Military Departments, OSD Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute is investing in programs and initiatives aimed at furthering DEIA, and incorporating DEIA values, objectives, and considerations in how we do business and execute our missions,” the department stated in its Strategic Management Plan.
In the past, the DoD has reaffirmed its stance that diversity is a “strategic imperative” to fulfilling its goals. However, many have pointed out that the DoD’s primary task should be defending the United States, not focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
While the details of how the funds will be utilized remain unclear, it is evident that the DoD has prioritized the integration of DEIA principles into its business practices. The announcement follows the allocation of $85 million for DEIA initiatives this year and $68 million in the previous year.
DoD faces increasing skepticism of the allocation of funds after a recent report that determined the Pentagon failed its annual financial audit for the sixth consecutive year, falling short in 27 out of the 30 sub-audits conducted.
This piece first appeared at TPUSA.
