11/1/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Air Force senior leaders released a memorandum stressing the importance of diversity in today's force here Oct. 14.
Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy signed the Declaration on Diversity, which stressed the importance of diversity at tactical and strategic levels as keys to mission success.
"Diversity, as defined by the Air Force, aggregates our strengths, perspectives and capabilities in a way that transcends individual contributions," the memorandum states.
"It speaks to each Airman's responsibility, as public servants, to embrace and gain a better understanding of diversity as a tool to enhance unit cohesion and the Air Force's ability to carry out its mission globally.
"From our perspective, diversity throughout our Air Force is a military necessity," the senior leaders said. "We will promote an Air Force culture that embraces diversity and provides the opportunity for all Airmen to reach their full potential and provide the required supporting programs and resources."
To view the complete Declaration of Diversity click here.
(Courtesy of the Air Force Public Affairs Agency)
Comments
6/22/2012 8:28:25 AM ET If used according to it's intent, ie. incorporate experience, education, skill sets to accomplish the mission, then it's a good thing... stating as a Diversity presentor, it's imperative to exclude race, color, religion, etc.. from the equation if it's to succeed.
M.E., GA
4/18/2012 3:57:56 AM ET The Air Force wants to enforce diversity because discrimination and the lack of equal opportunity in are very obvious.
Mike, Japan
11/7/2011 10:07:03 AM ET Good, the Active Duty AF is starting to institute what the Air National Guard did in 2000. There is good intention in the Diversity Program. I understand the intent of diversity, BUT does the AF leadership understand? When someone higher ranking than I asks me why I, a white guy, am talking to a black lady, I should say that diversity is just a word. It's going to take some real learning not by CBTs or some kind of wordsmith putting pretty flowers on this program. It's going to take epiphanies many of them.
EJ, NJ
11/3/2011 11:07:23 AM ET They need to define exactly what diversity they mean. Do they want the US Air Force to represent the US population? So they want 20 percent of the Air Force to be 0-14 years of age and 13 percent of the Air Force to be over 65 years of age? Also, 3.5 percent of the population has served time in prison. Does that mean 3.5 percent of the Air Force needs to have served time in prison? Saying you want diversity without defining DIVERSITY makes no sense.
Jerry, Oklahoma
11/2/2011 10:09:09 PM ET Great, here is your own special month, but whoops sorry we're going to have to roll you back.
John G, Va.
11/2/2011 5:21:57 PM ET @Declaration. What actions specifically are you wanting to happen?
MSgt Wills, Peterson
11/2/2011 12:20:49 PM ET I applaud the U.S. Air Force for posting a Declaration of Diversity such that it makes it clear where the USAF stands, not only for those within the force but to all who do business with and/or are simply interested in such a key issue as who values the Diversity of People in the work environment in particular. It is a powerful, concise and inspiring statement that walks the talk where first and last impressions matter going forward.
Valentino Martinez, St. Louis MO
11/2/2011 12:13:20 PM ET Is there a correlation between diversity and USAF's ability to deliver warheads on foreheads? Most of the statements in the complete declaration are causal fallacies, i.e. silly made-up nonsense.
Rick Brumble, Washington
11/2/2011 9:25:13 AM ET It is impossible to use Diversity and Equal Opportunity in the same sentence. You cannot possibly create a diverse workplace without discriminating against other individuals based on race, religion, etc. The AF likes to include cultural backgrounds and life experiences in the definition of diversity, but until you add that info into a SURF, then it's nothing more than a smoke screen intended to divert attention away from the real intent...promoting a sub-group without regard to individual merit. This makes me sick.
Maj, staff
11/1/2011 10:38:26 AM ET OK they signed a memo. Actions speak much louder lets see what will change.
