East Central Alabama News

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Jim Banks (R-IN), Chairman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, shared his concerns regarding military personnel policies during a hearing on the health and welfare of the force and the impact of current Department of Defense and service policies.

Banks emphasized the significance of personnel policy makers in shaping various aspects of military life, stating, "Today’s hearing is focused on the personnel policy makers…who are charged with developing the policies, guidance and programs that affect recruiting, accessions, assignments, benefits, career progression, and much more."

Highlighting the potential impact of policies on military culture, Banks cautioned against the shift from continuous oversight to guidance on how individuals should think, feel, and behave. He pointed out the challenges of navigating policies that may contradict the merit-based foundation of the military personnel system, especially in the context of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Addressing the concerns surrounding DEI policies, Banks referenced the strong backlash witnessed, quoting Johnny Taylor, president of the Society for Human Resource Management, who stated, "The backlash is real. And I mean, in ways that I've actually never seen it before." Banks raised issues related to DEI's influence on recruiting and retention, expressing worries about potential candidates viewing their success as dependent on factors other than merit.

Lieutenant General Burt's perspective was also shared, emphasizing the importance of candidates feeling safe and supported in their roles, especially in the context of LGBTQ laws affecting critical health care access. Burt highlighted the considerations that need to be taken to ensure a conducive environment for all individuals in the military.

In conclusion, Banks urged for a thorough examination of the effects of current personnel policies on recruiting and retention, emphasizing the need to address any cultural changes forced upon the military. He expressed skepticism regarding the correlation between DEI focus and recruiting challenges, calling for a deeper investigation into the matter.