Biden Admin Rejects Merit-Based Military Promotions, Advocates for Inclusion of Race and Gender.

President Joe Biden’s Administration Fights Against Merit-Based Military Promotions

The Biden administration is pushing back against a new provision in the annual defense spending bill that aims to base military promotions solely on merit, rather than considering race or gender.

In a statement released on July 10th, the White House responded to the proposed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), outlining its opposition to various provisions. These include the potential creation of a Space Force National Guard and the attempt to roll back some of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies that President Biden had implemented at the start of his presidency.

“The Administration strongly opposes the House’s sweeping attempts to eliminate the Department’s longstanding DEIA efforts and related initiatives to promote a cohesive and inclusive force,” read a statement from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). “As articulated in the 2022 NDS, one of the Department’s top priorities is building a resilient Joint Force and defense enterprise.”

The OMB’s statement continued, emphasizing the importance of diversity in maintaining the Department of Defense’s strategic advantage and creating a positive work environment. It argued that legislation hindering these efforts would put the Department at a strategic disadvantage.

Representative Jim Banks (R-IN) hailed the White House’s rejection of the provisions he wrote, including the merit clause and the repeal of Biden’s DEI initiatives, as a “badge of honor.” He warned that “wokeness” could destroy the military if left unchecked.

The merit clause itself does not mention race or gender, focusing solely on evaluating candidates based on qualifications, performance, integrity, fitness, training, and conduct. It explicitly prohibits favoritism, nepotism, and the use of quotas.

Representative Chip Roy (R-TX) supported the removal of DEI provisions from military promotions, advocating for a colorblind and race-neutral approach. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing national defense and military effectiveness over social engineering.

However, it appears that the Biden administration does not share this viewpoint.

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