STARRS LTG Rod Bishop is a member of the Heritage Foundation’s National Independent Panel on Military Service and Readiness.
Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., criticized the priorities of the U.S. military after a report from the Heritage Foundation revealed politicization of the armed services.
According to data from the Heritage Foundation, 68 percent of active military members have witnessed politicization of the military, including a decrease in physical fitness standards, and a focus on climate change.
Waltz called the trend “alarming,” and said it was more than a Republican talking point.
“These issues, from wokeness in the military, politicization of the military, isn’t a Republican talking point. We’re not gaslighting, blowing this out of proportion in an election year,” he told Fox News Digital. . . .
. . . .In September, a diversity and inclusion training to Air Force Academy cadets encouraged them to refrain from words like “boyfriend,” “girlfriend,” “mom,” and “dad” to be inclusive of all genders.
The Biden Administration’s National Security Strategy, released in October, 2022, listed climate change as the “greatest and potentially existential” threat facing all nations. The U.S. Army has also released a “climate strategy” which calls on the service to cut emissions by 50% by 2030 from 2005 levels and reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
Waltz argued in the face of an increasing threat from China, and the continued threat from countries like Russia, North Korea and Iran, politicizing the military is a distraction from what is important. . . . . (read more on Fox News)
Waltz Says Military is Politicized, and Members are Noticing (Floridian, 13 JAN 23)
Protecting Americans is believed to be the first and only priority of the military. According to servicemembers in a recent Heritage Foundation poll, that priority is caving as the military becomes increasingly politicized. Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL-6)agrees, stating he is looking to find “solutions to restore trust in our military and end the politicization of our warfighters.”
“As Chair of @Heritage’s National Independent Panel on Military Service and Readiness, our panel is committed to finding solutions to restore trust in our military and end the politicization of our warfighters. Let’s get our focus back to winning America’s next war,” stated Rep. Waltz.
The statistics Rep.Waltz cites in his tweet thread specifically state 69% of those currently serving say they “have witnessed politicization in the military.” Another 68% say this is affecting their encouragement of getting their kids to join. Lastly, 70% also consider focuses on climate change and changes in physical standards has violated their trust.
Additional comments from Waltz are found in Heritage’s report, where he says that “It’s more clear than ever that Americans are losing faith in what should be America’s most trusted institution and the current recruitment crisis facing our military is evidence of that.” . . . (read more)
NEW @Hertiage Poll:
– 69% of active duty service members have witnessed politicization in the military.
– 68% of activity duty say it would impact encouraging their children to join.
– 70% say focus on climate change and reduction of physical standards has harmed trust.
— Rep. Mike Waltz (@michaelgwaltz) January 13, 2023
New Polling Data Suggests Active-Duty Military Members Worry About the Politicization of the United States Military (Heritage Foundation, 12 JAN 23)
The National Independent Panel on Military Service and Readiness (NIPMSR) met to discuss its new polling data on perceptions of both active members and civilians on polarizing topics and policies in the military.
The eight-person panel led by Representative Mike Waltz (R-FL) was commissioned by Heritage President Kevin Roberts to evaluate personnel policies and practices that are polarizing within the Department of Defense.
New polling data show 68 percent of active military members have witnessed politicization in the military and 65 percent of active-duty military members are somewhat or very concerned about this development.
Events that have decreased the trust active-duty members have in the military include:
- the changing policy to allow unrestricted service by transgender individuals (80%),
- the reduction of physical fitness standards to “even the playing field” (70%),
- and a focus on climate change as a top national security threat (70%).
Heritage’s Executive Vice President, Derrick Morgan, opened the second meeting, explaining “the timing for the panel could not be more important given that fiscal year 2022 was the worst year for recruiting since the advent of the all-volunteer force, and 2023 is shaping up to be as bad or worse.” . . . (read more)
What People Are Saying
(comments on the articles)
“24 years in, about to retire. My son wanted to follow in my footsteps and join. I’ve discouraged him (his choice) from doing so. It’s a mess fight now.”
“So true. We have generations connection with VMI and military service. My oldest is a graduate and currently serving. The other three have declined due to the recent activity at the I and other woke direction of the military,”
“My kid came out after six years, finished up his engineering degree, and told anyone who would listen to never enlist.”
“Military service can be a great boost into full adulthood, especially to those who need it the most (as did I). But as a Viet Nam vet, I never again want to see our kids killed or maimed for the neocons’ cause du jour. Kick ass and go home, or don’t go.”
“I spent 35 years in uniform, E-1 to O-5, 1979- 2015. Leftist democrats used the military as their laboratory for social experiments. Obama accelerated the rapid politicization and decline. It has never been worse. The Leftist plan to destroy our institutions continues.”
“Mr Waltz, Navy, retired, 25 years. I new in 04 when I got out we were screwed. What these clowns in DC have done to the military is an f——g tragedy. Patton/Bradley/Nimitz/Halsey/Ike, and Marshall, would be rolling over in their graves. It’s sad what they have done to warriors.”
“Word of mouth and family history is the leading recruiting tool. Over 60% is family history or friend’s recommendation to join. That has ENDed. My son is the first in 7 generations to not sign up.”
“I work as a contractor at a military base. Most of my co workers are veterans. We are constantly having to be careful not to offend the new kids in the service. It’s gotten pretty ridiculous.”
“Wokeness has no place in the military. I served over 26 years and if I had to do it again, I won’t. I can assure you that China and Russia could care less about being to touchy or feely.”
“Was in the Corps from 85 to 95, and a Navy CSAR/SPECWAR squadron from 95 to 98. Did 3 tours down range. My son and daughter did combat tours in the ‘stan. I work and council veterans every day, and THE one question most asked by vets is, “Is this the country we fought for?” I know longer have an answer to that…”
“I am on all branches bases, installations conducting business. Must say, as a veteran of 2 wars-conflicts, 14 years Active Duty, it is VERY discouraging and scary to see the utter lack of decorum, respect and discipline we were taught makes the greatest fighting military in the world! Is it a coincidence the USA is at its weakest point over these past 3 years? I think NOT!”
“25 years active duty and still work for the army as a civilian. This army is way more concerned with social issues and equity than warfighting. Discipline is lax and I sometimes think the commanders from company to brigade are severely concerned about not doing anything to get relieved, much more than training for war. I don’t see this ever reversing, one reason I would not recommend service in the Army. Sad to say….”
“Steady erosion over time, accelerated over the last two years. Would never recommend serving at this time. The mission, the nation’s security has taken a back seat to diversity, equity and inclusion. Female this, black that, it’s exhausting. We had a 22 year old black female assigned to be a DEI facilitator for a group of 40, 50 and 60 year olds, mostly white guys. Needless to say, she couldn’t run the meeting, couldn’t define what extremism was and couldn’t answer the simplest questions, this was during Austin’s stand down.”
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