STARRS & Stripes host Commander Al Palmer, USN ret, leads a thought-provoking discussion that challenges current narrative views on military diversity and readiness, featuring key insights from three Calvert Task Group members: retired Navy veterans LCDR Bruce Davey (a Blue Angel), Capt. Guy Higgins, and Capt. Brent Ramsey.

Is the U.S. military’s core mission being overshadowed by societal and political influences? Our guests address this pressing question, offering a critique of the current landscape shaped by diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and the potential impact on military preparedness. Brent Ramsey shares compelling observations from Calvert Task Group’s new book, “Don’t Give Up the Ship: Woke Politics Are Endangering Our Military and Our Nation,” emphasizing the urgency to refocus on fundamental military principles in light of global threats, particularly from nations like China.

As the conversation unfolds, we highlight the power of cognitive diversity in fostering innovative military leadership. Beyond superficial measures, cognitive diversity provides a wide array of problem-solving approaches and perspectives that enhance decision-making. This episode underscores the critical need for diversity initiatives to be firmly rooted within the framework of the Constitution and personal beliefs. We explore how constitutional fidelity serves as a guiding light for military officers, promoting unity and effectiveness in service.

In a deep dive into the intersection of political influence and constitutional values, we explore the repercussions faced by a Naval Academy midshipman supporting law enforcement during Black Lives Matter advocacy. This episode examines the broader implications of societal debates on military readiness and recruitment, while also reflecting on the foundational stability provided by the U.S. Constitution. Join us as we advocate for preserving the Constitution’s intended purpose and discuss the challenges of maintaining high standards and accountability within military and government institutions.

Watch:

Listen:

Find and Listen to “STARRS Podcasts” on your favorite podcast platform, such as: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, iHeart, Podbean, and more

00:00:11 Military Diversity and Readiness Discussion
00:13:24 Cognitive Diversity and Military Leadership
00:21:01 Constitutional Values and Political Influence
00:28:11 Stability and Teamwork in America
00:40:45 Government Accountability for Military Funding
00:55:04 Service Academies and Honor Code Standards
01:05:13 Restoring Military Readiness and Capacity
01:19:25 Strategic Alliances and International Security