The Military Admits It’s Gone Woke

As if the armed forces don't have enough on their plate, the Pentagon seems intent on entering another kind of conflict — the culture war. By Aaron Kliegman As if the military isn’t busy enough these days, the Pentagon seems intent on entering another kind of conflict: the culture war. Only this war is a true “forever war,” one that will hurt morale and taint the military’s standing with victory ever elusive. Last week, the nation’s highest-ranking military officer defended the study and teaching of critical race theory within the armed forces. “It’s important actually for those of us in uniform to be open-minded and be widely read,” said Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs. “I want to understand white rage.” Testifying before the House Armed Services Committee, Milley added, “I’ve read Mao Zedong. I’ve read Karl Marx. I’ve read Lenin. That doesn’t make me a communist.” So, he asked, what’s wrong with “having some situational understanding about the country for which we are here to defend?” And then Milley got mad. “I personally find it offensive,” he said, “that we are accusing the United States military, our general officers, our commissioned and noncommissioned officers, of being woke because we’re studying some theories that are out there.” In other words, the military isn’t woke, but military leadership is pushing soldiers to consider woke ideas. Indeed, West Point offers a seminar class on “white rage.” The chief of Naval Operations recommends How to Be an Antiracist, which ironically advocates discrimination, as a “foundational” text for sailors. The Navy’s reading list for sailors also includes The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness and Sexual Minorities and Politics. Of course, American troops should be well read and understand the world beyond military tactics. But should these books really be put on par with important military histories as part of a military education meant to prepare soldiers for war? To Milley, apparently yes. The general explained at the congressional hearing that studying critical race theory “matters to our military and the discipline and cohesion of this military.” Here a lawmaker should have asked Milley a follow-up: How is it cohesive to teach service members to absorb material that will paint their fellow soldiers who happen to be white as oppressors? How does that better foster unity and camaraderie within the ranks? Not to mention critical race theory and books by its adherents, such as How to Be an Antiracist, demonize America as a racist hell. The idea is to create a fighting spirit among soldiers to target the enemy, not their own country. The military is one of the few institutions left in America that enjoys the public’s trust — and bipartisan support. But if Milley’s recent comments are indicative of the Pentagon’s thinking, the military risks undermining this trust and support. By embracing woke ideas, the military is dipping its toe into the raging waters of America’s culture war. This will only hurt recruitment to the services and damage America’s national security. The military has plenty to worry about — China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, terrorists. The Pentagon doesn’t need another war on its hands. Nor does it need to be training social justice warriors. Regular warriors will do just fine Newt hosts monthly virtual events in which he discusses news of the day and why it matters to you and your community. These Newt Live events are your opportunity to communicate directly with Newt. We hope you will join us next time and let Newt answer your questions and provide his insight on the issues that concern you most. JOIN TODAY to be a part of this special event and receive a BONUS GIFT. Click here to join Newt’s Inner Circle. More from Aaron Kliegman:

INNER CIRCLE MEMBER CONTENT

Which is worse: A default on the U.S. debt or continued increases in spending and taxes?