The U.S. military has always been “woke.” That word gets tossed around as an insult today, but history proves progress, diversity, equity, inclusion and justice have been among the military’s greatest strengths. Without them, the ranks would’ve been nothing more than an all-white boys’ club, and that doesn’t win wars.

The Tuskegee Airmen were Black pilots who flew in World War II despite segregation. They defended this country while proving that courage and skill know no color. Or the Montford Point Marines, the first Black Marines, forced into a segregated camp in North Carolina, yet they fought valiantly in World War II, and made the corps stronger. Their service forced America to live up to its ideals of liberty and justice for all, and the promise that all citizens are equal under the

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