Page 12 - Fort Irwin High Desert Warrior, August 2020

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High Desert Warrior August 2020
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observances, the past accom- plishments and contributions that these races have made in our Army are highlighted, demonstrating how impor- tant every American has been throughout history no matter the race.
Ledet implies that it’s im- portant to set the bar for current soldiers to further the progress made and continue to build on the legacy that our fellow Americans left.
“To honor the past is to set a standard for our future to build off of these great ac- complishments and to create our own history,” Ledet said.
As far as race relations in the Army go today, “We are getting there,” said Ledet, who believes race relations in the Army are excellent based on all the policies and pro- grams that are beginning to be implemented now to address institutionalized racism and to
further the progress of racial equality.
“We’re definitely heading in the right direction, it’s black and white with things the Army has in place all the way up from HQDA,” Ledet said.
Another measure the mili- tary has taken in the conversa- tion on race relations is that the Army has just revamped the Army Command Policy AR 600-20 chapter 6, which covers the Equal Opportu- nity programs. It has also just started the listening tour and is also revamping the Sexual Harassment Assault Response Program (SHARP).
“It starts at basic training, it starts with the Army Values” said Ledet, who explained how our soldiers are taught from the very beginning to see each other as equals.
Ledet said for change in an organization to work, it must start from the top down.
From OPPORTUNITY,Page8 The Commanding General
of the NTC, Brig. Gen. Les- perance said leaders are con- ducting a thorough review of internal policies and programs and asked leaders to imple- ment more interactive and discussion-based diversity and inclusion training into their Equal Opportunity/Equal Employment Opportunity program.
“Be inclusive— make a commitment to seek out and surround yourself with those who don’t look like you, think like you and who come from different backgrounds,” Les- perance said. “Specifically reach out to Junior officers and enlisted members whose background is different than yours and mentor them. It may be uncomfortable at first, but you’ll help them grow into Future Leaders and they will help you grow to be a better leader yourself.”
For more information go to home.army.mil/irwin