Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Issues Guidance: “Identity Months Dead At DoD”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

In a sweeping move aimed at refocusing the Department of Defense (DoD) on its core mission, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued new guidance ending the use of official resources to celebrate cultural awareness months, including events tied to Black History Month, Pride Month, and other heritage observances. The directive, titled “Identity Months Dead at DoD,” emphasizes unity and mission readiness over divisive identity-based initiatives.

“Our unity and purpose are instrumental to meeting the Department’s warfighting mission,” Hegseth stated in the memo. “Efforts to divide the force – to put one group ahead of another – erode camaraderie and threaten mission execution.”

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The guidance, effective immediately, prohibits DoD components and military departments from using official resources, including man-hours, to host or promote events related to cultural awareness months. Affected observances include National African American/Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Pride Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and National American Indian Heritage Month.

Service members and civilian employees are still permitted to attend such events in an unofficial capacity outside of duty hours. However, the memo makes clear that the DoD’s focus will now be on celebrating the “valor and success of military heroes of all races, genders, and backgrounds” as part of a broader effort to restore the military’s “warrior culture and ethos.”

The directive reflects the Trump administration’s ongoing push to prioritize military readiness and cohesion over what it views as divisive or politically charged initiatives. Hegseth’s memo argues that emphasizing immutable characteristics such as race, gender, or sexual orientation detracts from the shared identity of service members as warriors dedicated to defending the nation.

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“We are proud of our warriors and their history, but we will focus on the character of their service instead of their immutable characteristics,” the memo states.

The guidance has sparked a mix of reactions, with supporters applauding the move as a necessary step to refocus the military on its core mission, while critics argue it undermines efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the ranks.

The memo aligns with the Trump administration’s broader efforts to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across federal agencies. Earlier this year, the administration issued an executive order limiting the use of critical race theory in government training programs, citing concerns about divisiveness and ideological bias.

Hegseth’s guidance also reflects a growing emphasis on restoring what he describes as the military’s “warrior culture.” The memo encourages installations, units, and offices to celebrate the achievements of military heroes based on their service and accomplishments rather than their demographic backgrounds.

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