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Among the contentious courses are:
- Deconstructing Patriotism: This class explores postmodern influences on the U.S. Army’s recruitment strategies in the absence of a unified national narrative.
- Uniformed Perspectives: A historical look at cross-dressing in the military and evolving gender norms.
- Do My Leaders ‘Get’ Me?: An examination of the importance of representation within military leadership.
- Harder Rights: Discusses the clash between proclaimed values and actual behaviors within the military.
Dr. Morten Ender, Professor of Sociology and Co-Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Studies Minor at West Point, is listed as the point of contact for these courses.
Critics argue that such subjects distract from West Point’s mission to develop leaders who can effectively win wars. This concern is magnified by reports from the Pentagon indicating that the U.S. military began 2024 with the smallest force size and the lowest levels of readiness in nearly 80 years—a stark reminder of the challenges ahead.
The Daily Mail reports a dramatic decline in active-duty personnel numbers, with figures comparable to those before the U.S. entered World War II. Additionally, a significant recruitment shortfall of 41,000 personnel this year underscores a growing disconnect between the military establishment and younger generations.
Recruitment efforts have faced hurdles from COVID-19 vaccine mandates and what some describe as an increasingly ‘woke’ military environment. This includes the granting of special privileges to trans soldiers, hosting of drag shows on bases, and the employment of leaders who have made controversial statements regarding race.
Army Secretary Christine Wormuth has stated that criticisms of ‘woke’ policies are detrimental to military recruitment. “Over the last three years, it has been widely reported that recruiting is way down across all branches of the U.S. military,” she noted, suggesting that the backlash against progressive policies is exacerbating the recruitment crisis.
ALERT! Major Water Restrictions In Effect!
This curriculum shift at West Point represents a fundamental transformation in how future military leaders are being trained, raising questions about the balance between traditional military values and the incorporation of new social perspectives. As these courses begin, the debate continues on the impact they will have on the readiness and moral of America’s armed forces.
