DOD outlined a new Equity Action Plan Thursday describing a “shift” in the department’s diversity strategies “to create opportunities for all Americans, including for small, disadvantaged businesses, and to ensure that all qualified Americans can serve their country in uniform.”
A summary document released by DOD noted several areas of progress on diversity, inclusion and equity. It also outlined five new “strategies”:
- Increase economic opportunities for small business, including businesses from underserved communities, and expand contracting with entities employing individuals with disabilities, including under the AbilityOne Program.
- Advance equity by addressing past harms resulting from environmental and other impacts from defense activities on communities around military installations and bases, especially Native American lands, Alaska Native Claims Settlement-conveyed properties, ancestral lands, and reserved treaty rights areas
- Advance equity for military families, including those who are members of underserved communities.
- Address the safe and ethical use of AI technology and leading innovation in the use of this technology.
- Invest in underserved communities and expand access to Department programs and opportunities.
About 90 federal agencies released similar plans Thursday.
“Advancing equity is not a one-year project,” President Biden said. “It’s a generational commitment.”
Army photo by Ann Gonzalez
