Project 2025 models how to undermine hiring and promoting women and all nonwhite men. The Project 2025 authors insinuate that everyone except white men are Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) hires. Consequently, non-white, non-male, non-Christian workers are made to feel unworthy which destabilizes their ability to serve and lead. Project 2025 doesn’t make white men more qualified. Project 2025 weakens our country’s military strength by disqualifying, “all others”.

I was a USAF Captain stationed in Germany in 1983.  During my tour of duty, a charismatic retired Chief Master Sergeant, turned Christian Nationalist preacher, started a church outside the base.  He preached sermons centered on women being submissive to men.  Women were told to be subservient while holding the ladder for men to advance.  Men were advised to create female obedience for God, through beatings. Female airmen came to work battered and bruised with broken limbs. They became physically and emotionally unable to perform their duties thus discrediting their fitness.

This minister promoted extreme Christian Nationalist doctrine. As I read Project 2025, written by Trump appointees and MAGA men, I see these same tenants of belief. This document clearly outlines how to decrease the health, financial wellbeing, history, and advancement of all but white heterosexual men.

Today our military is approximately 31% non-white and 18% female. Diversity is its strength. Those who choose to serve our country’s all-volunteer military have earned their place in leadership positions. We cannot afford to undermine their contributions to our nation through the misguided belief exploited by MAGA, Christian Nationalists, and Project 2025.

Dr. Judy L Smith, USAF, retired

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