By Andrew Mark Miller | Fox News
GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz is slamming the United States Air Force over an internal memo his office obtained, calling it a “radical document” that warns airmen about using “micro aggressions.”
In a 27-page guidebook (STARRS NOTE: USAF pulled the document, but we have it below) that originated with the 552nd Air Control Wing in Oklahoma, the Air Force warns airmen not to use “micro aggressions” that could be deemed offensive to others, including using the term “spirit animal” which it says is “a statement of cultural appropriation and erasure of Indigenous/Native culture.”
The document also says that “telling someone to ‘toughen up'” is a microaggression as it contributes to “potentially harmful standards of masculinity in individual mental and physical identities.”
According to the document, airmen should avoid saying they “don’t see color” because that could be seen as offensive and contributes to the “erasure of black, indigenous, and other people of color.”
“Referring to someone as a member of ‘the opposite sex.’ While the DOD may not recognize multiple genders legally, that doesn’t mean military members exist with a wide spectrum of gender identity,” the document says, alleging that the term “opposite sex” is “transphobic.”
“The phrase, ‘the opposite sex’ implies that only the gender binary exists, and also falsely conflates sex and gender identity.”
The term “that’s savage” is also something the document tells airmen to avoid because “using this word in everyday language erases the history of violence done to Indigenous peoples.”
The document also urges airmen to think twice before promoting materials and hanging posters that encourage others to stand for the flag, which could qualify as micro-aggression.
“Many everyday microaggressions are veiled under the guise of personal belief systems, but that doesn’t detract from the harm they may do to BIPOC,” the guidebook states. “They may not even be verbal. For instance, sometimes squadron members will hang ‘Stand for the flag, kneel for the cross’ posters in their offices. While this may seem like a benign display of Christian and patriotic values, the context of this statement is an expression in opposition to a specific form of anti-racist protest.”
“While it is unethical to limit someone’s religious or political ideologies, we must acknowledge that certain expressions are microaggressions and subvert the messages of social rights movements. This poster, for instance, is a direct response to the protest act of kneeling during the national anthem. This may seem like a gray or neutral area, but it’s the oppositional subtext to a pro-Black movement that makes it a racial microaggression.”
“Under Kamala Harris, the Air Force tells people ‘that’s savage’ is a microaggression,” Gaetz told Fox News Digital about the memo, which also references a book by former Black Panther Angela Davis.
“I’m sorry, but I want a savage military to protect us from China. I will be calling on the Air Force to make clear if they agree with this radical document.”
In a statement to Fox News Digital, a Department of the Air Force spokesperson said the U.S. Air Force “remains laser-focused on warfighting readiness.”
“The handbook you reference is not an official Department of the Air Force policy document,” the spokesperson added.
“It was created by a group of individuals at the unit level in July 2021 as a submission for an innovation program and was not selected. We will always advocate for respecting our fellow Airmen and Guardians, while never forgetting that we exist for one reason—to provide war-winning combat power for America.”
Truly, THE most annoying document, ever, written by two Karens:
Woke AF ODS Guidebook (pdf)
What People Are Saying
“As a retired Air Force Colonel, this disgusts me! Everyone involved should be fired, beginning, immediately, with the wing commander and the author.”
“I am embarrassed by the current Air Force supposed leadership. Really embarrassed. When I went into the Air Force, it was duty, honor, country. Now it seems to be gender, race and sexual deviance. The senior ranks are created by becoming a “yes man” often tossing aside your lifelong principles and patriotism. The military has been terribly weakened by the influence of weak left people who demand the military embrace DEI and woke policies.”
“I’m retired Air Force. Since then I’ve had three sons serve, one still serving. I can honestly tell you that there are many that need to be told to toughen up or get out. There are a few carrying a lot of others. I’m not even saying it has to be as tough as it was when I was in. But the mission is suffering. Between woke and DEI. Our readiness is not ready.”
“So glad I’m retired from the military. Would never, ever consider joining today’s political organization known as our military.”
“Sweet Jesus. I am so glad my son didn’t join the USAF like I did in the 80’s. It is shameful these issues are even allowed to exist. Embarrassing.”
“I’m so glad I served and got out before someone dreamed up the idea of micro aggressions!”
“I retired after 30 years in 2014…I would be locked up if I were still in now. Those snowflakes would be crying.”
“The men and women who we really need in the armed forces are not signing up under this administration or as long as these “Woke” and DEI policies remain.”
“As a 20 year, retired AF NCO, I could not see myself serving in today’s AF. I used to encourage young people to consider the AF if only for the training that’s so useful in the civilian job market. Not anymore. Wokeness has ruined the military.”
“After devoting 22 years of my adult life in the USAF, I am totally disappointed in today’s leadership. It truly makes me hurt inside to see what has become of the service I love deeply.”
“This is why I’m glad I retired long ago; and don’t recommend anyone join up now.”
“This ridiculous document was created by a group of individuals within the Air Force, as I understand it, and not by any formal sanctioned group within the Air Forces as an assigned task. Given that, the group that created the document should be held accountable for purposely attempting to create a seriously divisive and corrosive environment. It seems in most cases, the desire to create inclusivity for all actually creates a situation of exclusivity leading to significant divisions. Woke don’t work.”
“The air farce never ceases to amaze me. If it was not for micro and macro mental and physical aggression training at Parris Island SC and Camp Lejeune NC, I would not be here today. Thank you Uncle Sam for being tough on me and teaching me how to stay alive anywhere in the world with whatever I can find.”
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