Sonja Smash’s Post

The history of **Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)** in the U.S. military reflects a gradual evolution towards greater equality and opportunity, driven by both societal changes and internal military reforms. The military's approach to DEI has shaped policies regarding race, gender, sexual orientation, and religious diversity over time. Here's an overview of significant milestones in the history of DEI in the U.S. military: ### 1. **Desegregation of the Military (1948)** - **Executive Order 9981**: One of the most important moments in the history of DEI in the military was President **Harry S. Truman's** Executive Order 9981, issued in **1948**, which mandated the **desegregation of the armed forces**. The order declared that "there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin." - **Impact**: This order ended racial segregation in the military, making the U.S. armed forces one of the first major American institutions to integrate, although full implementation took time and faced significant resistance in some quarters.

#BlackHistoryMonth: African Americans have served in the United States military since the nation’s founding. More than 5,000 Black Americans fought in the Revolutionary War, including the victory at Yorktown. After the Revolution, Black Americans were for the most part excluded from military service until they volunteered to serve during the War of 1812. After this war, they were again barred from service. Then, during the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation declared that they could join the United States armed forces. Over 186,000 Black Soldiers, including 94,000 former slaves from Southern states, served in the Union Army. After the Civil War, African Americans were allowed to remain in the armed forces, and gradually their opportunities expanded. For example, in 1884, African American William Hallett Greene became the first Black man to enlist in the Signal Corps, which was uncommon because before this Congress restricted Black Soldiers to infantry and cavalry regiments. Over 360,000 African Americans served in the military during World War I, more than 1.3 million served during World II, about 600,000 during the Korean War, about 300,000 during the Vietnam War, and over 100,000 during Operation Desert Shield-Desert Storm. One of the Army’s sources of strength is its ability to bring together people of different races and cultures who share common values like loyalty, duty, and self-sacrifice. Learn more about African Americans serving in the U.S. Army and the Signal Corps: https://lnkd.in/eb4dbxzn https://lnkd.in/eWMTj5ag #USArmySignalCorps #Signalcorps #USARMY @US_CYBERCOM @ARCYBER @armyfutures @Signal_School @US_CYBERCOM @USArmyNETCOM

JUNETEENTH Juneteenth National Independence Day commemorates the end of slavery and recognizes America as a nation committed to human freedom. Also known as Freedom Day, #Juneteenth emphasizes education and achievement. For the Army, Juneteenth honors Black Soldiers who fought and sacrificed to ensure the Constitution fulfilled its promise to all Americans. #USArmy | #PEOEIS | #Juneteenth2024

🌟 Exploring the Roots of Memorial Day with African Americans 🌟 As we reflect on the origins of Memorial Day, it is crucial to recognize the often-overlooked contributions of African Americans in shaping this solemn occasion. Following the Civil War, formerly enslaved individuals, known as Freedmen, played a pivotal role in commemorating fallen Union soldiers by decorating their graves. This act of remembrance evolved into what we now observe as Memorial Day, a day to honor all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. 🌺 Armed Forces Day, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day: Unveiling the Differences 🌺 🔹 Armed Forces Day: Celebrated on the third Saturday in May, Armed Forces Day pays tribute to the men and women currently serving in the United States Armed Forces, showcasing their dedication and bravery in safeguarding our nation. 🔹 Veterans Day: Observed on November 11th, Veterans Day honors all military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, expressing gratitude for their service, sacrifices, and contributions to our country's freedom. 🔹 Memorial Day: Held on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day solemnly commemorates the brave individuals who died while serving in the U.S. military. It is a day of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude for their selfless devotion to our nation. Let us embrace the rich history and significance of these observances, cherishing the diverse narratives and sacrifices that have shaped our nation's legacy. 🇺🇸 #MemorialDay #AfricanAmericanHistory #HonoringHeroes #Veterans #ArmedForces #NeverForget #Respect #usa #Remember #everyonefollowers #everyonehighlights #holiday #blackhistory #americanhistory #highlightseveryone

During National Hispanic Heritage Month, from September 15th to October 15th, we pause and reflect on our shared history as Americans and celebrate the rich mosaic of people and cultures who build and strengthen our Army and our nation. This year’s national theme – “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together”– captures that spirit as we observe the unique and storied history Hispanic Americans have in the Army – serving and fighting in almost every war since our nation’s birth. Approximately 170,000 Active Duty Army, National Guard and #USArmyReserve Soldiers identify as Hispanic or self-report being of Latin descent. It’s estimated that Hispanics or Latinos equal about 18% of the total force and about 10% of the Army’s military and civilian workforce are Hispanic. Learn more about the history of service of Hispanic Soldiers here https://lnkd.in/eZwuwNJ #BeAllYouCanBe #HispanicHeritageMonth

#NationalHispanicHeritageMonth is an opportunity to recognize and honor one of the Army’s greatest strengths, its diversity. Today, there are about 170,000 Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve Soldiers who self-report as being of Latino descent. Also, about 7% of Army civilians are of Hispanic or Latino descent. According to a Department of Veterans Affairs 2022 report, there are about 1.3 million Latino Veterans, or about 8% of the veteran population. National Hispanic Heritage Month begins mid-month on September 15th because that is the Independence Day for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. September 16 is Mexico’s Independence Day and September 18 is Chile’s Independence Day. October 12 is also celebrated across Spain and Latin America as the Day of Hispanic Heritage because it is the day Columbus arrived in the Americas. #USArmySignalCorps #Signalcorps #USARMY @US_CYBERCOM @ARCYBER @armyfutures @Signal_School @US_CYBERCOM

Today, whilst on my travels, I had the privilege of re-visiting after many years, the Commando Memorial in Lochaber, a poignant tribute to the Army Commandos of WWII and the Royal Marines who have carried on their legacy. Although I am ex Army, I am not commando-trained, but know some Anthropists who are, namely the ex- Royal Marines. They would undoubtedly recognize the formidable motto inscribed: 'United We Conquer.' This visit reminded me of the power of unity in such dire times, both in the past and the need for it today. As a nation, I believe if we come together in the spirit I have always envisioned for Anthropy, we can tackle pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. However, achieving this requires the same determination, bravery, initiative, and purposefulness demonstrated by the commandos. It also now requires this of our new Government, given its minority of votes, regardless of its majority of seats. It also requires those who didn’t vote #Labour to be open to such collective endeavour. If I have one call from seeing this again, it is to channel this Anthropic spirit and collaboration, towards conquering the issues that impact us all. Together, we can make a difference, or as it says, ‘United We Conquer’. #UnitedWeConquer #AnthropySpirit #CommunityResilience Ben Brabyn Lee E Collins MBA PMP FIoL #Anthropy #Anthropist

The conversation about peace and security has been overwhelmed by fragility and vulnerability, which has become a distraction for many states' resilience. Therefore, it's crucial to move our discussion beyond just assessing vulnerability. We need to focus on identifying existing coping strategies and capacities of states and how they can be enhanced and leveraged to build stronger communities. It's important to note that every challenge contains potential opportunities, even if they're not always obvious. The #StateResilienceIndex by The Fund for Peace adds a meaningful dimension to the discussion on peace and security.

USA- An experiment in History to test the status quo of Nations. No Country is perfect and that includes the US. However, what Country gave more Freedom to their population? Resources to come from nothing and become whatever you could dream. The United States had it’s horrific growing pains like every Country. No political system is perfect. Perfection is impossible with imperfect humans. Wealth- The American Empire has obtained more wealth then any Nation on the planet. We also have sadly amassed the most debt which threatens our Republic. Politics- UNITED WE STAND-DIVIDED WE FALL! Serving- As an AirForce Veteran, I’m honored to have served my Country standing post protecting our Nuclear Weapons. I received more than I gave. I went from a very awkward teenager, to a man that found purpose. Duty Honor Country- tradition in the military is extremely important. Learning from our past hereos helps guides us to our future. This does not mean things should not change. However, the reason for a change is what really matters. What is the reason for this particular change? I certainly have my thoughts. I have always looked up to General MacArthur and General Patton. Both had massive egos, but time has proven that their convictions drove them to excellence. They were a huge part of stopping Evil Regimes for taking over the world. Imagine if Patton wasn’t in Germany and MacArthur wasn’t in Asia? Would we have won WW2? My opinion is no. Duty Honor Country are three words EVERY AMERICAN CITIZEN should believe in. Duty- We all have a duty to be a good citizen. Honor- We should honor our past warriors who protected OUR UNION and for those trying to protect our FUTURE UNION. Country- America is one of the most divesrse Nations in the world. The USA still has the most freedom in the world. Sadly, that freedom is under attack. We are close to a division that resembles pre Civil War times. We must find common ground. UNITED WE STAND-DIVIDED WE FALL Freedom allows for different thoughts, ideas and dreams. As Americans we have a responsibility to keep the Union together for our future generations. We must persevere in keeping the light of freedom burning on top of that hill as President Reagan stated. HONOR-DUTY-COUNTRY may these hollowed words never be forgotten. We must look to be the solution, not the problem.

Juneteenth marks a pivotal moment in American history—the day when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom on June 19, 1865, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day celebrates the end of slavery in the United States and honors the resilience, culture, and contributions of Black Americans. Juneteenth has also played a significant role in influencing the military, as the courage and dedication of Black service members have been integral to our nation's defense and progress, shaping the path toward greater equality and representation in the armed forces. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #BlackHistory #svaleads #studentvets #sva #studentveteransofamerica #studentveteran #studentveterans #military #militaryveteran #veteran #veterans #veteran #svaodu #odusva #navy #marines #army #airforce #coastguard #nationalguard #spaceforce #odu #monarchs #gomonarchs #olddominionuniversity #oduveterans #oduvets #monarchvets #odumonarchs