Biden Fights Against Bi-Partisan NDAA Requirements That Military Promotions Be Based on Merit

Monday saw the Biden administration take issue with key provisions of the Republican-dominated House’s proposed 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.

This legislation, aimed at determining policies within the military, is being scrutinized by the administration, particularly for its insistence on personnel decisions based on merit rather than factors such as race or gender.

In a Statement of Administration Policy, the Biden administration stated its categorical opposition to the House’s efforts “…to eliminate the Department’s longstanding [Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access] initiatives…” aimed at fostering a united and inclusive military force.

Among the contentious points in the House’s NDAA are a series of provisions crafted by Republicans, designed to counteract the Biden administration’s agenda to infuse the entire Department of Defense, including the military, with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles.

In addition, the proposed NDAA contains multiple Republican-endorsed provisions intending to offer a second chance for those service members who were discharged for complying with the Biden administration’s COVID-19 mandate, complete with backpay.

Rep. Roy’s response to the Biden admin’s divisive military evaluation system?

“[We must] move to a colorblind, race-neutral worldview, where we’re focused on building a national defense and a military… NOT on social engineering wrapped in a uniform.”https://t.co/TwHfM5Po7x

— Rep. Chip Roy Press Office (@RepChipRoy) July 12, 2023

Specifically, the Biden administration registered its opposition against Section 364, barring the defense secretary from assigning military or civilian personnel with duties involving DEI initiatives above a certain rank. They also disagreed with Section 523, mandating a merit-based system for all military appointments, assignments, selections, or promotions, with a specific prohibition on quotas.

These provisions are the work of Navy veteran and Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee Chairman, Jim Banks (R-IN). Banks declared to Breitbart News, “It’s incredibly dangerous that the Biden administration is opposed to merit-based promotions. When our service members are in life or death situations, we need the best leaders, period.”

Should military promotions be based on:

The Biden administration expressed further disagreement with two other provisions introduced by Banks, Sections 525 and 526.

Section 525 aims to prevent disciplinary actions against service members who decline COVID-19 vaccination and seeks to authorize the reinstatement of individuals discharged due to vaccine refusal.

Biden just came out against merit-based promotions in the military, preferring to continue using race as a factor.

China and Russia aren’t using DEI to choose their military leaders.

I’m sure they’re very glad we are.

— Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) July 12, 2023

Section 526 calls on military services’ Boards of Correction to prioritize reviewing the reasons for discharge and re-entry codes for veterans who refused to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

The administration opposes these and other COVID-19 related provisions, asserting they establish a worrisome precedent that service members may disregard lawful orders. It contends that such behavior could jeopardize order, discipline, and unit cohesion.

The Biden administration suggested that these provisions could obstruct the defense secretary from initiating crucial future action, should a new COVID-19 strain necessitate vaccination for force health protection.

It further opined that issues such as “military sexual trauma, PTSD related to military service, and matters related to pay and benefits,” are more critical than COVID-19 cases, and should be prioritized by the Boards of Corrections.

The Department of Defense’s recent praise of a transgender Army Major has sparked controversy. Critics argue that celebrating a lifestyle choice undermines the merit-based promotion system of our military. They believe the focus should be on readiness and ensuring our forces are pic.twitter.com/XgSSUKIicU

— Next News Network 🇺🇲 (@NextNewsNetwork) July 6, 2023

Moreover, the administration put forward the idea that diversity bestows a “strategic advantage” upon the DOD:

“DoD’s strategic advantage in a complex global security environment is the diverse and dynamic talent pool from which we draw. We rely on diverse perspectives, experiences, and skillsets to remain a global leader, deter war, and keep our nation secure,” the administration said.

Despite these disagreements, the House’s bill enjoyed almost unanimous support in the House Armed Services Committee last month, passing with a bipartisan vote of 58-1, with the sole objection coming from Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA).

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