The U.S. military is currently facing one of the worst crises in its modern history. Recruitment numbers are at an all-time low, morale among troops is sinking, and the public’s trust in the military has sharply declined. Some experts say this might be because of the Biden administration’s strong push for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. But how did this happen, and what does it all mean?

DEI and Its Impact on the Military

The Biden administration made DEI a priority from the very start. When President Biden took office in 2021, he signed several executive orders aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion within the government, including the military. These orders aimed to reduce racial inequality, ensure the inclusion of gender identity, and make it easier for transgender individuals to serve in the armed forces.

For example, Executive Order 13985 focuses on promoting racial equality, while Executive Order 13988 works to prevent discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. Another order, Executive Order 14004, specifically makes it easier for all qualified Americans, including transgender people, to serve in the military.

At first glance, these moves might seem like positive steps toward fairness and inclusion. However, critics argue that these DEI initiatives have gone too far, hurting the military’s ability to do its job effectively.

White Men Excluded?

One of the most controversial findings comes from a report by The Daily Caller, which looked at internal documents from the U.S. Air Force. The report revealed that the Air Force’s popular Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program was excluding white male applicants in favor of minorities. While the intention may have been to create a more diverse and representative military, many believe this approach is leading to unfair treatment of qualified candidates simply because of their race.

Some are saying that the military is now being judged not by “the content of their character,” as civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. once said, but by “the color of their skin.”

DEI-Driven Changes in the Military

Several strange scandals have erupted within the military, reflecting the impact of these DEI-driven changes. For example, the Air Force and Navy introduced maternity flight suits, which sparked heated criticism, especially from conservative commentators like Tucker Carlson, who mocked the idea of pregnant women being part of active combat roles.

There have also been controversies surrounding drag shows on military bases, which were eventually banned after facing backlash from lawmakers and the public. Critics argued that military resources were being wasted on activities that had nothing to do with improving readiness or morale.

On top of that, the military has faced legal challenges over DEI-based discrimination. In October 2023, an advocacy group that won a Supreme Court case against affirmative action in college admissions brought new cases against the U.S. Naval Academy and West Point, claiming that their DEI policies were also discriminatory.

The Costs of DEI

The price tag for these DEI initiatives has skyrocketed. Spending on diversity efforts jumped from $68 million in 2022 to nearly $115 million in 2024. This money goes toward things like mandatory diversity training for service members and hiring “diversity officers” to make sure the military follows DEI rules. While some argue that this investment is necessary for building a more inclusive military, others see it as a waste of money that could be better spent on improving readiness and training.

Has DEI Made the Military Weaker?

Despite the administration’s push for DEI, the military has struggled to meet its goals over the past few years. The chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 was a major embarrassment for the U.S., and in early 2024, the Navy struggled to deal with Houthi rebels, leading some to question if the military’s focus on diversity was coming at the expense of its combat capabilities.

Recruitment has taken a huge hit, with the military seeing a drop of 20-40% in new applicants. Public trust in the military has also fallen, from 73% in 2019 to just 60% today. These numbers are alarming for an institution that relies on strong public support to function effectively.

Some lawmakers have even floated the idea of reinstating the draft or offering immigrants citizenship in exchange for military service to make up for the low recruitment numbers.

A Military in Crisis?

It’s clear that the U.S. military is facing a major crisis, and many are blaming DEI policies for making things worse. With recruitment down, morale low, and public trust waning, some wonder if the military’s focus on diversity and inclusion has come at too high a cost.

The question now is: Can the military find a balance between being inclusive and maintaining its readiness and strength? The answer could have serious consequences for America’s ability to defend itself and project power around the world.