Military diversity means the inclusion of different genders, ethnicities, and sexual minorities that contribute to an adaptive, varied army. It means embracing differences, recognizing their value, and leveraging the uniqueness of each. Inclusiveness ensures soldiers feel valued and promote better teamwork, which allows them to fully develop (De Angelis et al., 2017). Soldiers are empowered to realize their potential in an environment that is open to innovation and free communication. Diversity connects people from different cultural backgrounds, perspectives, and mindsets, which helps to enhance the strength of the army.
The US analytical community is worried about the underrepresentation of women and ethnic minorities in the US military, especially in command posts. Women in the US military make up one-fifth of the total number of soldiers in each branch of the military (De Angelis et al., 2017). The exception is the Marine Corps, where women account for only eight percent of the total. In recent years, the army has provided more opportunities for women; however, they remain underrepresented, especially in leadership positions (De Angelis et al., 2017). Despite many special programs operating in the US armed forces aiming at attracting representatives of different minorities into the ranks of the military, the composition of elite units remains more or less racially homogeneous. White men are best represented in the US army, especially in the leadership positions of the Marine Corps, Air Force, and the Navy (De Angelis et al., 2017). Racial diversity dwindles in the upper echelons of the military.
Recruiting the representatives of ethnic and sexual minorities into the army does not reduce the cohesion and effectiveness of personnel. On the contrary, it creates an atmosphere of diversity and inclusiveness that benefits soldiers. The army must be a leader in valuing individuals and enhancing the strengths of diverse people in an inclusive environment (Tully & Chilton, 2019). Thus, the armed forces must be diverse to ensure the success of missions and to respect the dignity of various genders, ethnicities, and sexual minorities.
As a result of the recognition of the need for different gender and racial perspectives, the international community has developed documents that provide for their inclusion in the activities of the armed forces. Integrating gender and racial perspectives are not only an operational necessity or a legal obligation but also a critical factor for the protection of human rights (Tully & Chilton, 2019). The principle of equal rights is seen as the basis for democracy and the legitimacy of the state. In planning, conducting, and evaluating military operations, this principle implies guaranteeing human rights for all people.
The operational potential of the armed forces is strengthened if a broad recruiting base is created to select the best soldiers. In this case, the diverse potential is considered as the ability of the individuals to act based on their knowledge and experience. Diverse personnel capabilities can enhance the effectiveness of hostilities, and situational awareness is improved when the staff has a deeper understanding of the needs and prerequisites of different groups (De Angelis et al., 2017). The ability to create better living conditions for diverse people enhances the safety of different groups, which, in turn, provides support for the powers of the military. Creating an environment in which different genders and minorities can work and develop in all areas and at all levels will strengthen the military.
Military diversity should be a part of the integrated planning and conduct of military operations. These actions can be interpreted both as goals and means of achieving equality. This will increase the mission’s chances of success and ensure a stable peace (De Angelis et al., 2017). Inclusiveness must be considered and incorporated into all phases of military operations. Its implementation at all levels requires education and training to give proper knowledge of what diversity is and how it relates to their day-to-day work. Education is a key method of integrating diversity into military operations and institutions. Engaging minorities, responding to their security needs, and combating discrimination within the armed forces is a challenge (De Angelis et al., 2017). However, military education and training should generate the appropriate knowledge, skills, and attitudes to enable staff to overcome these difficulties. Accordingly, both UN Security Council resolutions and NATO’s policy and action plan provide for the inclusion of gender and ethnic perspectives in education and training.
Incorporating diversity and gender balance into the army requires both individual and collective efforts at every level. There are policy frameworks and directives that support gender balance and cultural diversity, and they are constantly evolving. However, the presence of active and committed supporters of inclusive leadership is necessary to keep moving forward. The army must be a leader in giving opportunities for diverse people since it is a global organization. Military diversity can provide an advantage in recruiting soldiers across gender, ethnicity, and culture. The military forces should continue to improve the understanding of the diversity of the US population and how to use inclusiveness in mission accomplishment.
References
De Angelis, K., Han, J., Laurence, J. H., Rosenstein, J. E., Sandhoff, M., Smith, D., & Sohoni, D. (2017). Inclusion in the American military: A force for diversity. Lexington Books.
Tully, R. E., & Chilton, B. (2019). Equality: More or less. Hamlton Books.