By Phil Stewart
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Air Force said on Sunday it would resume training trainees using a video about the U.S. Army’s first black aviators, known as the Tuskegee Airmen, who took an exam to ensure compliance with President Donald Trump’s ban. diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Trump, who took office on January 20, banned DEI in the U.S. government and the U.S. military. New Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who was sworn in Friday, has made eliminating DEI from the military a top priority.
Reuters reported Saturday that the video about the Tuskegee Airmen as well as another about female civilian pilots trained by the U.S. military during World War II, known as “Women Air Force Service Pilots” or WASP, n were not taught in basic training. Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland awaiting review.
The move was first reported by the San Antonio Express-News.
The Air Force said Sunday that both videos would be released.
“No Airmen or Guardians will miss this block of instruction due to the revision, but a group of trainees have had training delayed,” said Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson, who leads the Education and Training Command. aerial training in a press release.
The Tuskegee Airmen included 450 pilots who fought overseas in separate units during World War II. Their combat successes helped pave the way for President Harry Truman’s decision to desegregate the armed forces in 1948.
DEI programs seek to promote opportunities for women, ethnic minorities, and other traditionally underrepresented groups. Civil rights advocates say such programs, generally supported by Democrats, are necessary to combat long-standing inequalities and structural racism.
They have been attacked by conservatives, who say initiatives focused on race and gender are inherently discriminatory and do not prioritize merit.