A Defense Department task force is embarking on a series of visits to military installations and service academies to oversee the implementation of a directive to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Led by Jules W. Hurst III, the task force is charged with ensuring that the “Restoring America’s Fighting Force” memorandum, issued by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on January 29, 2025, is fully understood and executed. The memo mandated the dismantling of DEI offices and initiatives across the Department of Defense.
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Hurst explained to DOD News that the visits are intended to “ensure the president and secretary’s intent and guidance are being carried out across the department.” This includes verifying that service academies are operating under “solely merit-based practices.”
The task force will engage with leaders and service members to gather feedback on the implementation process, identify any challenges encountered, and provide support. Hurst emphasized the need for “frank feedback, honesty and candor” to ensure consistency in the application of the policy.
The report indicates that the task force is monitoring the removal of content considered “culturally and historically significant” to ensure compliance with the directive, while also cautioning against being “overzealous.”
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A central theme of the Defense Secretary’s memo, and a key focus of the task force’s efforts, is the establishment of a “culture of meritocracy.”
Hurst reiterated that the goal is to implement “merit-based, colorblind policies” to ensure the most qualified individuals are selected for leadership positions.
The task force will visit six military installations and two service academies over the next four weeks. The military services and DOD components are expected to conduct similar reviews to ensure department-wide adherence to the directive.
A final report detailing the DOD’s actions to terminate DEI initiatives is due by June 1, 2025.
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