The Value of Diversity

Over the last decade the term “diversity” has become a common term in the Air Force and the Department of Defense as a whole. If we look at the history, development and achievements of the United States Department of Defense, we can plainly see without the contributions of a diverse workforce the U.S. Armed Services would not be the greatest the world has ever seen. 

But what makes a workforce diversified? A diverse workforce often includes characteristics such as ethnic variety, as well as socioeconomic and gender variety, in a group, society, or institution.

Some say the Department of Defense led the nation in diversifying organizations, as a result of President Truman signing Executive Order 9981, on 26 July 1948, which ended segregation in the Armed Forces and established equal status, treatment and opportunity for all members of the Armed Services regardless of race, religion, or national origin.

Over the course of the last 62 years this concept of social inclusiveness has been instrumental in achieving superior mission effectiveness and organizational performance by incorporating intellectual ideas, perspectives and ingenuity from personnel with various cultural, religious, educational, gender, age, socioeconomical and racial backgrounds.

The Air Force has benefited from workforce diversity and the inherent value that comes from tapping into the synergistic effect that results from approaching problem-solving and decision-making from a strategic or analytical standpoint. In these situations it is extremely beneficial to have the ability to view and examine processes and problems from multiple perspectives, in order to reach the best solution and outcome.

Having a diverse workforce allows organizations to obtain ideas from personnel with varied life experiences and points of view, which provide insight into how policies and processes can be created and how solutions can be reached and implemented.

It should be noted that having a diverse workforce is not without its challenges. Unfortunately, there are times when personal perspectives and blind spots cloud professional judgment, both consciously and unconsciously, potentially leading to negative outcomes.

One way to overcome the challenges of workforce diversity is through professional development training and personal growth and development.

Acknowledging and valuing the diverse talents, backgrounds, and contributions each of us brings to the workplace increases our ability to complete our organizations’ missions and the Air Force’s ability to Fly, Fight, and Win.

To find these contributions one only needs to look at any squadron, group or wing, on any Air Force base, and they will find men and women of various racial, ethnic, and national origins, working together to complete their organization’s mission.
Simply put, the U.S. Air Force has been, is, and will continue to be, the epitome of the value of diversity.