The House Armed Services Committee recently approved the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes a significant amendment targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) positions within the Department of Defense. Introduced by Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN), the amendment limits the pay grade for federal DEI employees to GS-10, effectively reducing the number of high-ranking officials in these roles. Banks celebrated the amendment's passage as a "massive victory" for those seeking to curb what he views as excessive focus on DEI initiatives within the military.
The amendment specifically targets employees involved in developing and implementing DEI policies, training, and goals within the Department of Defense. It mandates that any current DEI employee above the GS-10 level be reassigned within 180 days of the NDAA's enactment. Rep. Banks emphasized his broader goal of incorporating similar measures into other legislation, aiming to reduce the influence of what he terms "woke" ideology across the federal government. He specifically mentioned appropriations bills, the farm bill, and the FAA reauthorization as targets for similar amendments.
This amendment comes amidst ongoing debate about the role of DEI initiatives within the military. Recently, the U.S. military's Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) offered personnel various virtual professional development courses, including one focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. While a SOCOM spokesperson confirmed the availability of these courses, they emphasized that they were not mandatory and part of a broader range of professional development offerings.
