Lt. Gen. DeAnna Burt, the deputy chief of space operations in the U.S. Space Force, recently expressed concern over the rise of “anti-LGBTQ+ laws” across several U.S. states. During a Department of Defense (DoD) LGBTQ+ PRIDE event, Burt stated that such laws influence her decisions regarding hiring and promotion, potentially leading her to select a “less qualified” candidate based on their “personal circumstances.” Burt explained that she would prioritize access to “gender-affirming care,” such as transgender surgeries, puberty blockers, and cross-sex hormones, over qualifications when assigning officers.
During Burt’s address to the Pride event she said:
Since January of this year, more than 400 anti-LGBTQ+ laws have been introduced at the state level. That number is rising and demonstrates a trend that could be dangerous for service members, their families, and the readiness of the force as a whole.
When I look at potential candidates, say, for squadron command, I strive to match the right person to the right job. I consider their job performance and relevant experience first. However, I also look at their personal circumstances, and their family is also an important factor,
If the good match for a job does not feel safe being themselves and performing at their highest potential at a given location, or if their family could be denied critical health care due to the laws in that state, I am compelled to consider a different candidate, and, perhaps, less qualified
Burt highlighted that several states have implemented laws prohibiting these procedures for minors, impacting how she assigns officers to specific roles. While job performance and qualifications are typically paramount in her selection process, Burt stated that she also needs to account for whether her officers and their families would feel safe in their assignments.
Her comments suggest that the U.S. Space Force, and possibly the broader Defense Department, are delving into political issues. If this trend continues, Biden’s woke military may soon reach a point where they prioritize political correctness over aptitude and effectiveness.
