Executive Order 14185, Restoring America's Fighting Force, signed by President Donald Trump on January 27, 2025; 90 Federal Register 8763 (February 3, 2025)(Full Document) "This article was drafted with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model. All content has been reviewed and edited by Vernellia Randall to ensure accuracy and coherence."


Presidential sealSummary of the Executive Order

Executive Order 14185 eliminates Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices and initiatives within the Departments of Defense (DoD) and Homeland Security (DHS) regarding the U.S. Coast Guard. It explicitly prohibits race—or sex-based preferences in hiring, promotions, and training within the Armed Forces.

The order argues that DEI policies undermine meritocracy, military cohesion, and readiness by prioritizing identity-based considerations over operational effectiveness. It mandates a review and removal of all DEI-related curricula and policies. It redirects military resources toward warfighting capabilities and combat readiness.

Racial Justice Impact Summary

This executive order will disproportionately harm racial minorities, women, and other historically marginalized groups in the military. By dismantling programs designed to address systemic discrimination, career advancement barriers, and retention challenges, it could foster an exclusionary environment, reducing opportunities for equitable representation in leadership and decision-making roles. It will also have a disproportionately negative impact on military readiness and national security.

 

Racial Justice Analysis

The elimination of DEI initiatives in the military will have far-reaching consequences for historically marginalized groups:

  • Recruitment & Retention Impact: DEI programs support underrepresented service members, ensuring equal access to mentorship, leadership opportunities, and career progression. Removing these programs may exacerbate existing disparities, leading to higher attrition rates for Black, Latino, Indigenous, and female service members.
  • Intersectional Discrimination: Women of color, LGBTQ+ personnel, and religious minorities face compounded challenges. The absence of DEI initiatives means implicit and explicit biases in promotions, assignments, and disciplinary actions will persist unchecked.
  • "Colorblind Jim Crow" Policies: By promoting a so-called "colorblind" approach, this order advances the ideology of Colorblind Jim Crow, which denies the existence of racial disparities while structurally reinforcing them. The failure to acknowledge racial inequities in recruitment, retention, and leadership pathways contributes to ongoing systemic discrimination in the Armed Forces.

Impact on Military Readiness

Contrary to the executive order's claims, the elimination of DEI programs could potentially undermine, rather than strengthen, military readiness.

  • Recruitment Challenges: The removal of DEI initiatives may deter talented recruits from racial minority communities and women, who may see the military as unwelcoming or discriminatory. This will shrink the pool of highly qualified candidates, potentially lowering enlistment rates and reducing the military's ability to meet recruitment goals.
  • Retention Issues: Service members from marginalized backgrounds who no longer have institutional support are more likely to leave the military. High attrition rates will force the military to spend more resources on recruitment and training new personnel, reducing overall readiness.
  • Lower Morale and Unit Cohesion: Studies show that diverse and inclusive units perform better in complex and high-stakes environments. Eliminating DEI programs could foster resentment, division, and increased incidents of discrimination, reducing overall effectiveness in combat and operational missions.
  • Strategic Disadvantage: A military that fails to reflect the diversity of the nation it serves will struggle to engage effectively in global operations. Cultural competency, language skills, and diverse perspectives are critical in modern warfare.

Conclusion & Recommendations for Activism

The rollback of DEI programs threatens both racial equity and military effectiveness. Here are concrete advocacy steps:

1. Engaging with Congress (Policy Advocacy)

Example Letter to Lawmakers:

"Dear [Senator/Representative],

I am writing to express my deep concern over Executive Order 14185, which dismantles Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within the U.S. military. This decision not only undermines racial equity but also weakens military readiness by limiting the recruitment, retention, and advancement of talented service members from diverse backgrounds.

As history has shown, an inclusive and diverse military strengthens national security by fostering innovation, improving unit cohesion, and ensuring the U.S. military reflects the population it serves. I urge you to support legislation that reinstates DEI initiatives, protects service members from discrimination, and reinforces the Armed Forces' commitment to equal opportunity.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Contact Information]"

2. Legal Challenges (Equal Protection Argument)

Example Legal Brief Language:

"Executive Order 14185 violates the equal protection principles enshrined in the Fifth Amendment by disproportionately harming racial minorities, women, and other marginalized groups in the military. The removal of DEI programs creates a disparate impact, eliminating structural safeguards against discrimination.

"The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly recognized that facially neutral policies can still result in unconstitutional racial discrimination (Washington v. Davis, 426 U.S. 229 [1976]). The elimination of DEI programs exacerbates racial and gender disparities in the Armed Forces, creating a chilling effect on recruitment and retention."

3. Public Awareness Campaign

Example Op-Ed Introduction:

"Executive Order 14185 is not just an attack on racial equity—it is a direct threat to national security. By dismantling DEI programs, this administration is undermining the readiness of our Armed Forces and pushing us back to an era where systemic discrimination went unchallenged."

Social Media Messaging:

  • Twitter/X: Dismantling DEI programs doesn't strengthen the military—it weakens it. A diverse, inclusive force is a STRONG force. #MilitaryDiversity #EquityMatters
  • Instagram: "Equal opportunity in the military is not optional—it's essential. Stand against Executive Order 14185 and protect the future of our Armed Forces."
  • Facebook: "DEI programs aren't about 'lowering standards'—they're about ensuring equal access. Eliminating these initiatives hurts recruitment, retention, and unit cohesion."

4. Holding Congressional Hearings on Military Readiness Impact

Example Testimony:

*"The elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs will not create a more substantial military but a weaker, less prepared, and more divided force.

Data from previous studies show that inclusive units outperform homogeneous ones in adaptability, teamwork, and conflict resolution. The RAND Corporation found that diverse teams make better decisions under pressure, a critical factor in combat operations.

To maintain our global leadership, the U.S. military must embrace the full spectrum of talent available. Congress must restore DEI initiatives before we see the irreversible erosion of military readiness and cohesion."*

Final Thoughts

Activists can use multiple strategies—legal, legislative, public advocacy, and grassroots organizing—to challenge Executive Order 14185 and push for policies that support an inclusive and effective military.

Would you like additional research sources or data points to support these efforts?