June 09, 2020
The deafening silence of veteran service organizations on Black Lives Matter
There is a myth in the U.S. military that once you put on the uniform, “We all bleed green.” That is to say, no matter where you’re from or what your background is, as long as you work hard, you will make it to the top. But now, data and statistics are starting to capture what many of us have always known: military service looks different for minority communities, and simply ‘working hard’ won’t undo the systemic racism, homophobia, sexism, and xenophobia at the core of the U.S. military experience.
The recent death of George Floyd at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis has once again thrust issues of systemic racism into the national spotlight, leading to widespread justifiable demonstrations in support of the #BlackLivesMatter movement. A huge number of corporations and nonprofits have made vigorous statements affirming their stances on this issue, including many who have made concrete commitments to examine and improve internal practices through action as opposed to just words.
Read the full article from Task & Purpose.
More from CNAS
-
Sharper: Serving America's Veterans
Commentary
As America’s military continues to struggle to meet recruiting targets, the proper treatment of veterans and servicemembers is increasingly vital to ensure the All-Volunteer F...
By Anna Pederson & Andrew Spafford
-
Sharper: National Security Workforce
Commentary
A capable workforce is central to the effectiveness of any government, military, or industry. Opaque processes and standards that lag behind the private sector contribute to r...
By Anna Pederson, Taren Sylvester & Charles Horn
-
Why is public service a members-only club?
Commentary
If federal agencies want to cast a wide net to catch unique skills and perspectives, they must employ a more effective strategy to communicate to prospective students how to n...
By Celina Pouchet
-
The Future of Civilians in National Security
Interactive
The federal government needs people with specific skills, knowledge, and experience in the national security workforce. While there are qualified individuals who want to serve...
By Katherine L. Kuzminski, Nathalie Grogan & Celina Pouchet
