{"id":56187,"date":"2020-12-22T01:50:31","date_gmt":"2020-12-22T01:50:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/uncategorized\/2020\/12\/22\/pentagon-memo-maps-out-plan-to-expand-diversity-in-the-force\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T10:08:36","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T10:08:36","slug":"pentagon-memo-maps-out-plan-to-expand-diversity-in-the-force","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/news\/pentagon-congress\/2020\/12\/22\/pentagon-memo-maps-out-plan-to-expand-diversity-in-the-force\/","title":{"rendered":"Pentagon memo maps out plan to expand diversity in the force"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

WASHINGTON \u2014 The Pentagon has endorsed a new slate of initiatives to expand diversity within the ranks and reduce prejudice, calling for more aggressive efforts to recruit, retain and promote a more racially and ethnically diverse force, The Associated Press learned on Friday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller on Thursday signed a memo ordering the implementation of 15 broad recommendations that include a plan to crack down on participation in hate groups by service members and draft proposed changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The AP obtained a copy of the memo on Friday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The plan, however, skirts the more politically sensitive issues<\/a> that have roiled the nation and the Trump administration this year, such as the renaming of bases that honor Confederate leaders or removing Confederate statues. Such steps are expected to get quick attention from Congress or President-elect Joe Biden\u2019s incoming administration next month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI expect all leaders to take an aggressive approach to embed diversity and inclusion practices into the core of our military culture,\u201d Miller said in the memo. \u201cWe must not accept \u2014 and must intentionally and proactively remove \u2014 any barriers to an inclusive and diverse force and equitable treatment of every service member.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\t