WASHINGTON — The Department of Defense has announced it will no longer officially recognize cultural heritage months, citing the need to prioritize unity and mission readiness within the U.S. military.
In a directive issued Friday, the Pentagon stated that military components and departments would no longer use official resources, including funding and man-hours, to host events related to National African American/Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Pride Month, and other designated observances.
“Our unity and purpose are instrumental to meeting the Department’s warfighting mission,” the guidance states. “Efforts to divide the force – to put one group ahead of another – erode camaraderie and threaten mission execution.”
Service members and civilian employees are still permitted to participate in such events in an unofficial capacity outside of duty hours. The guidance encourages military units to honor the achievements of service members regardless of race, gender, or background while shifting focus toward “warrior culture and ethos.”
The policy, which takes effect immediately, marks a shift from previous Pentagon diversity and inclusion initiatives, sparking debate over the role of cultural recognition in the armed forces.