Attitudes Aren't Free: Thinking Deeply about Diversity in the Us Armed Forces

FOREWORD by Lt Gen Bill Lord: Men and women in the uniforms of our armed services share many things in common, but none more important than their love of country and pride of being an American Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine. Although we may wear different insignia, perform different jobs, and observe different customs, when it comes to the job of defending our nation, the diversity of our missions becomes a fundamental source of our great power. Make no mistake, diversity is a hallmark of the modern US armed forces, not just in terms of our mission elements, but also within the composition of every unit. However, the journey to get where we are today didn't happen overnight, and reflecting back on our history, we overcame many challenges along the way. If we've learned anything about warfare from our earliest experiences back in 1776, end strengths, budget allocations, or technological innovation is never enough to fully maximize our military capabilities in war or peace. The cornerstone of any military success story starts with great ideas championed by principled leaders. Dialoguing with others who challenge our thinking and frames of reference is essential. By creating environments which are conducive to intellectual discourse, we can further our critical thinking skills and bolster our adaptive capacity to constantly see the world from different perspectives-to learn-to understand. As we move forward, we must constantly strive to think deeply, because ideas matter.Attitudes Aren't Free: Thinking Deeply about Diversity in the US Armed Forces is an innovative approach to foster the much-needed discussion on social issues within the military domain and the first volume of its kind. As you venture into the pages that follow, you will encounter a variety of essays on critical topics that are near and dear to our hearts. The volume has been edited in such a manner to give readers an opportunity to engage in a variety of debates framed by some of the leading voices in the field. Each of the experts shares his or her perspectives and suggests ways ahead based on what he or she believes to be best. Plurality of perspective is the essence of diversity. It can become a great source of strength when used to seek a deeper understanding of contentious issues. But for diversity to add value, it is critical that each of us opens our mind and makes a sincere effort to understand the perspectives of others. There is never a guarantee that people with different perspectives will come to agreement, nor should there be. Freedom of conscience is one of the oldest American traditions, and it exemplifies the ideals for which we fight. However, what matters most is that we remain sufficiently open-minded, listen to each other's perspectives, and, when appropriate, share our own. Our goal should always be to seek a greater understanding and a mutual respect of our fellow Americans-particularly those who have sworn to give their lives in the defense of our country. By embracing the diversity of perspective that brought the United States of America into being 234 years ago, we will ensure its thriving future in the decades to come.