Department of Leadership and Strategy

The US Air Force Academy has drawn national media attention since 2004 with regards to alleged pervasive religiosity at the institution. Although there have been many explanations for the issues that have arisen, a systems perspective looking at high personnel turnover, a higher than expected proportion of evangelical Christian chaplains and greater tenure for faculty and senior leadership offer insights as to how to transform the culture to one of inclusion and respect. The Oath of Equal Character is suggested as a first step in establishing a level the playing field where all within the rank and file recognize and believe that every individual has the equal opportunity to succeed and excel.

On 22 December 2010, President Obama signed into law the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010 eliminating the U.S. military's 17-year ban on gay men and lesbians serving openly in the armed forces. As was the case with race and gender, the further expansion of the military social aperture to accept homosexuals had the predominant impact of making the military more inclusive and giving equal social status to a previously disadvantaged class of citizens. Yet, there are reasons for concern in the United States.

First, the integration of Blacks and women into the military was not accomplished without difficulty and remains unfinished today. While the military deserves credit for today’s relatively healthy racial climate, the full integration of women remains a struggle.

Second, the gap between the social and political values of the officer corps and those of the general population has widened to a disturbing extent, a fact aggravated by the belief that the military culture is not only separate but also superior.

Finally, the extent to which this gap manifests itself in devoutly held religious beliefs that sometimes contradict emerging law and policy on sexual orientation presents a special problem because of faith’s claim to the whole person.

This essay addresses the possible impact of these three challenges on a successful transition to a military that respects openly homosexual service members.

On December 22, the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 was signed into law providing the the legal path to give equal protection to all service members regardless of sexual orientation. As was the case with race and gender, the further expansion of the military social aperture to accept homosexuals had the predominant impact of making the military more inclusive and giving equal social status to a previously disadvantaged class of citizens. Yet, there are reasons for concern in the United States. First, the integration of Blacks and women into the military was not accomplished without difficulty and remains unfinished today. While the military deserves credit for today‘s relatively healthy racial climate, the full integration of women remains a struggle. Second, the gap between the social and political values of the officer corps and those of the general population has widened to a disturbing extent, a fact aggravated by the belief that the military culture is not only separate but also superior. Finally, the extent to which this gap manifests itself in devoutly held religious beliefs that sometimes contradict emerging law and policy on sexual orientation presents a special problem because of faith‘s claim to the whole person. This essay addresses the possible impact of these challenges on a successful transition to a military that respects openly homosexual service members.