The Air Force has resumed training for its first Black pilot unit, which was temporarily rescinded to ensure compliance with President Donald Trump's executive order banning DEI in the federal government.
After backlash from Congress and even new Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the Air Force announced that it would be forced to hire 15,000 black pilots, mechanics and cooks in the segregated World War II Army known as the Tuskegee Airmen. He claimed that there were reports that he had abolished a course that taught recruits about people. Inaccurate. ”
However, Hegseth wrote in X Sunday that the course's removal was “rescinded with immediate effect.”
Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson, commander of the Air Education and Training Command, said in a statement that the section containing the video about the Tuskegee Airmen was temporarily removed on Jan. 23 following instructions to remove the section containing DEI material. .
A video about the Women's Air Force Pilots (WASP), a paramilitary group of female pilots during World War II, was also temporarily removed.
From left to right, Tuskegee Army Aviator pilots Lt. Col. Washington Ross, Lt. Col. Harry Stewart, Lt. Col. Charles McGee, and Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson stand next to an AY-6 Texas fighter jet at Tuskegee Army Airfield. Airmen at Selfridge National Air Force Base, Harrison Township, Michigan, June 19, 2012.
“We believe this adjustment to the curriculum is fully consistent with the direction set forth in the DEI Executive Order,” he said. “Curriculum and content emphasizing the honor and courage of Tuskegee Airmen and Women Air Force pilots have not been removed from basic military training.”
President Trump's crackdown on trans forces: New Order bans preferred pronouns, restricts use of facilities
“While no Airman or parent will miss this series of instruction as a result of the revision, one group of trainees will be delayed in training. The revised training is based on the documented historical legacy and It will focus on the glorious bravery of our airmen and women in the fight for our country.'' The nation's greatest wars since World War II will continue through January 27. ”
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Albin further explained, “Let me clear up any rumors. We are currently reviewing all training courses to ensure compliance with the executive order, but the Air Force There is no curriculum or content that emphasizes honor and courage.'' Tuskegee Airmen or female Air Force pilots were removed from basic military training. ”
Approximately 14,000 Tuskegee Airmen served in World War II, including hundreds of legendary fighter pilots. (Tuskegee University Archives)
“From day one, I directed the Air Force to swiftly and professionally carry out all directives outlined in executive orders issued by the president, without ambiguity, without slowness and without dragging its feet. When policy changes, it is everyone's responsibility to be diligent and ensure that all remnants of the old policy are properly removed and the new policy is clearly introduced,” he continued in the statement.
“Despite some inaccurate opinions expressed in recent news reports, our Air Force is faithfully implementing all of the President's executive orders. “This includes full coordination between the sexes and the military. Misrepresentation and name changes are not compliance. If there are instances of non-compliance, we will be held accountable.”
Before the Air Force announced it would resume training airmen on Monday, Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama accused the Air Force of “egregious compliance.”
“I have no doubt that Secretary Hegseth will fix the bad compliance we have seen in recent days and get to the bottom of it.President Trump celebrated and honored the Tuskegee Airmen during his first term in office. ” she said.
[TuskegeeAirmenphotographedin1945[1945年に撮影されたタスキーギー飛行士。 (Tuskegee University Archives)
Pete Hegseth is confirmed to lead the Pentagon after Vice President Vance cast the tie-breaking vote.
“Amen! It's over, Senator. I can't stand this,” Hegseth exclaimed.
WASP was essential for transporting fighter aircraft throughout World War II. The Tuskegee Airmen, a fighter unit active from 1940 to 1952, were the first soldiers to fly during World War II. This group destroyed over 100 German aircraft.
The nation's military was not desegregated until 1948 under an executive order from then-President Harry Truman.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
President Trump is expected to issue new executive orders on Monday focused on eradicating DEI in the military, as well as restricting accommodations for transgender soldiers. Another executive order would reinstate military members fired for refusing to get the coronavirus vaccine.
