Sen. Tom Cotton questions Pentagon on use of ‘themself’ in military award citations.
Arkansas Senator Demands Answers on Pentagon’s “Gender-Neutral Language” in Military Awards
In a letter sent to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Senator Tom Cotton expressed his concerns about the Pentagon’s decision to incorporate “gender-neutral language” into military decoration and award citations. Cotton questioned why the use of “himself” and “herself” is being abandoned in favor of the term “themself” to describe heroic or distinguished actions by military personnel.
The new model language allegedly reads, “(Rank) First M. Last, Jr., United States (Military Service), distinguished themself by superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility as (position and duty assignment), from (month year) to (month year).” This change follows the Pentagon’s previous adoption of radical gender ideology, as seen in the U.S. Navy’s training video on “inclusive language” and “correct” pronouns.
Cotton criticized the Pentagon’s embrace of far-left gender ideology, stating, “Worse, it exemplifies a Pentagon leadership consumed by the fads of the faculty lounge at a time when the Army can’t hit its recruiting goals, the Navy can’t keep ships out of dry dock, and the Air Force can’t find spare parts for planes.” He demanded answers from Austin regarding the authorization of the language update and whether service members can request the use of their accurate male or female pronouns for awards or ceremonies.
Cotton also requested information on any other official documentation within the Pentagon that requires gender-neutral language. He humorously added, “I also would welcome a reply that this whole episode was just a practical joke, or a decision you immediately reversed when it came to your attention.” Austin has until September 15 to respond to Cotton’s inquiries.
Shawn Fleetwood is a staff writer for The Federalist and a graduate of the University of Mary Washington. He previously served as a state content writer for Convention of States Action and his work has been featured in numerous outlets, including RealClearPolitics, RealClearHealth, and Conservative Review. Follow him on Twitter @ShawnFleetwood
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
