DeSantis: Pentagon’s ‘Mission First’ plan boosts recruitment, reduces wokeness.
Gov. Ron DeSantis Takes Aim at Woke Military Policies, Unveils “Mission First” Proposal
During a recent speech in Columbia, South Carolina, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) passionately expressed his concerns about the impact of woke military policies on national security. As he announced his “Mission First” proposal for the Pentagon, DeSantis emphasized the need to prioritize the mission and restore the armed forces to their rightful place.
A Call for Action
DeSantis firmly stated, “Our mantra on Jan. 20, 2025, as commander in chief will be very simple: mission first, accomplish the mission.” He promised swift action to correct the course and highlighted the positive outcomes that would follow, such as improved retention and recruitment.
“We’re going to come in, and we’re going to take very swift action to right the ship, restore us to where we need to be, and you know what you’ll see? You will see better retention, and you will see better recruitment.”
Criticism of Woke Policies
DeSantis criticized the Defense Department’s focus on climate policies and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs as criteria for promotion. He firmly believed that promotions should be based solely on merit and achievement.
“We also have to ensure that there’s good order and discipline on military installations. Having things like drag shows on military bases should not be allowed,” the governor said. “We’re also not going to do gender ideology and transgenderism in the military. It is just not appropriate to be injecting that into our armed forces.”
DeSantis emphasized the importance of maintaining consistent standards across different military endeavors, whether it be becoming a Navy SEAL or excelling in aviation or infantry. He firmly opposed any dilution of standards for political or social reasons.
“There’s got to be one standard to be able to participate in different endeavors,” DeSantis said. “If you’re going to be a Navy SEAL? You’ve got to go through that training. If you can’t make it, then you’re just not going to be able to do that. That’s true in aviation. It’s true in infantry. It’s true across the board. Don’t water down the standards due to political or social reasons.”
Reversing the Decline
DeSantis’s policy announcement, aimed at removing woke ideologies from the military, is part of his campaign to restore the armed forces’ mission-focused approach. According to DeSantis’s spokesman, Andrew Romeo, this initiative is necessary because President Joe Biden is prioritizing a social agenda over the core values of the military.
“We all know our country has been declining in recent years. We see it, we feel it, and, unfortunately, not too many people are doing anything about it,” the presidential candidate said. “I think decline of this country is a choice. I think it’s a choice that we make. I believe that success is attainable. And I’m running for president not to manage the decline. I’m running for president to reverse the decline.”
Presidential Campaign in Full Swing
DeSantis filed paperwork for his presidential campaign in South Carolina, becoming the first 2024 Republican candidate to take this step. He expressed his commitment to addressing the concerns of the people of South Carolina and criticized President Biden’s performance.
“I have heard it on the ground in every one of my visits to South Carolina since entering this race — Joe Biden is failing the people of this state,” Florida’s governor said earlier Tuesday. “Help is on the way.”
However, Christale Spain, the Chairwoman of the South Carolina Democratic Party, dismissed DeSantis’s candidacy, citing his lack of charisma and a failed economic record. She questioned his electability and predicted a lack of support for him in the upcoming primary contest.
“Because of his failed leadership, Florida faces some of the highest costs in the nation, is one of the lowest ranking states in health care affordability, and has twice the rate of inflation than the U.S. average — and residents’ fundamental freedoms are under attack,” she said. “He may be the first to put his name on the ballot in the Palmetto State, but at the rate his campaign is going, South Carolinians will be saying ‘DeSantis, who?’ come February 2024.”
As the 2024 presidential race gains momentum, Gov. Ron DeSantis’s “Mission First” proposal and his commitment to reversing the decline of the country have sparked both support and criticism.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
