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Retired Green Beret says identity politics are ‘just a distraction’
Retired Green Beret Michael R. Carmichael, a former Army Special Forces chief warrant officer and the founder of a nonprofit organization that supports veterans dealing with suicidal ideation, shared his perspective on the presence of identity politics in the military. Carmichael contended that this growing tendency weakens the unity essential for fulfilling the primary objective of safeguarding the nation.
Carmichael, a 22-year veteran in the Special Forces and 11 combat missions, emphasizes the need for American society to address veteran suicides and provide support. Drawing on his military background, he discerns right from wrong and expresses concern about social issues impacting various branches of the armed forces, such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force. Prioritizing identity politics can divert attention from fostering unity among ranks.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Retired Green Beret sounds alarm as identity politics seeps into military service: 'Just a distraction' <a href="https://t.co/e8ODwya8LC">https://t.co/e8ODwya8LC</a></p>— Fox News (@FoxNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxNews/status/1671513315992805379?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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One incident that triggered a backlash was the Navy’s posting of an image on its social media accounts during Pride Month. The image depicted Navy vessels and aircraft with rainbow trails and the word “Pride.” Although the images were removed without explanation, a Navy spokesperson stated that the graphics were intended to honor and recognize the LGBTQ+ service members who volunteer to defend the country.
Carmichael cautioned against prioritizing any specific identity group over others, as he believes it undermines the military’s objective of fostering unity within the team. He traced the origin of this trend to the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy during the early years of the Obama administration. According to Carmichael, this shift led to divisions within the military, with loyalties becoming more focused on smaller groups rather than the overall mission.
The retired Green Beret chief stressed the importance of maintaining a close-knit team focused on achieving objectives, stating that the debates surrounding identity politics distract from this fundamental goal. To further support the military community, Carmichael established Check A Vet, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing veteran suicides and raising awareness about mental health challenges among veterans.
Recent studies indicate that the rate of veteran suicide may be significantly higher than officially reported figures. A joint study conducted by America’s Warrior Partnership, the University of Alabama, and Duke University suggests that the official tally of approximately 17 veteran suicides per day could be underestimated. The study highlights potential undercounting due to drug overdose deaths and errors in service records.
Carmichael, as the president of Check A Vet, works directly with veterans who have been deeply affected and often alienated by society. He acknowledges the challenges faced by veterans and aims to foster a supportive environment to combat these issues. By uplifting veterans and making personal connections, Carmichael believes that every American can make a significant difference in the lives of those who have served their country.
