Look to Military Veterans to Advance Your DE&I Goals

Well before the Civil Rights Act was signed into law in 1964, President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981 on July 26, 1948. On this historic date, the United States Military integrated its ranks, effectively eliminating past practices of racial segregation. This initial act of moral courage led to subsequent policies and legislation at all levels of government addressing other issues of religious, cultural and gender discrimination.

While many private and public leaders are aware of the values and skills that military veterans bring to the table, the one that should not be overlooked is the inter-cultural competency basic to military service. Military veterans can contribute significantly to organizations seeking to advance diversity, equity and inclusion goals.

Here are a few ways:

1. Leadership skills: Military veterans are trained to lead and work in diverse teams under challenging circumstances, in a variety of environments and often in a foreign country. Their leadership, often by example, can help management and project teams create a sense of unity, purpose and direction.
2. Cultural competency: Military organizations commonly are comprised of individuals from a variety of locations and cultures existing within the borders of the United States and its territories. In addition, many have served in different parts of the world where they have been exposed to a variety of governments and cultures. This experience can be leveraged to bring cultural competency and insight to project teams, helping to promote a more inclusive organizational environment.
3. Teamwork and collaboration: From the time individuals enter the Armed Forces they are taught and trained to work together to achieve "mission success." Military veterans understand the importance of teamwork and collaboration, and they bring this mindset to project teams to help build trust, respect and understanding among team members.
4. Attention to detail: Military veterans are often trained to be detail-oriented and to think critically. These skills can be leveraged to help project teams identify areas where diversity, equity and inclusion can be improved and develop specific strategies to address these areas.
5. Commitment to mission: Military veterans tend to be goal-oriented, and they bring this asset to teams to achieve project deliverables while advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.

Our veterans are from every corner of American culture, a diverse community that historically has found itself on the cutting edge of social and political equity and integration initiatives. These individuals are uniquely capable of initiating and promoting the advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion values that will contribute significantly to the success your organization.