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• The Air Force has removed videos about the Tuskegee Airmen and the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) from its basic training curriculum.
• This decision follows President Donald Trump’s executive order targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
• The move is part of broader changes across the military to comply with the order.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

The Air Force has confirmed the removal of videos about the Tuskegee Airmen and the WASP from its Basic Military Training (BMT) curriculum. This decision is in response to President Donald Trump’s recent executive order aimed at eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies.

Core Players

• Donald Trump – Former president and issuer of the executive order
• U.S. Air Force – Branch of the military affected by the order
• Tuskegee Airmen – Historic unit of African American pilots in WWII
• Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) – Civilian women pilots who served during WWII

Key Numbers

• 1,000+ – Number of women who graduated from the WASP training program
• 1942 – Year the first groups of women pilots began training
• Jan. 23, 2025 – Deadline for removing DEI-related media and communications
• 3 – Number of training blocks removed from Air Force BMT

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

President Donald Trump’s executive order, issued on January 22, 2025, targeted Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives across federal agencies. This order called for the repeal of existing DEI policies and the removal of related media and communications.

“We are ensuring we implement all directives outlined in the Executive Orders issued by the President,” an Air Force official stated.

Inside Forces

The Air Force’s decision to remove videos about the Tuskegee Airmen and WASP is part of a broader effort to comply with Trump’s order. The Tuskegee Airmen, a celebrated unit of African American pilots during WWII, and the WASP, who trained and ferried aircraft, were featured in training blocks that have now been pulled from the curriculum.

The acting secretaries of the Army and Air Force have issued memos echoing Trump’s order, instructing the removal of all outward-facing media related to DEI initiatives.

Power Dynamics

The move reflects a significant shift in the military’s approach to diversity and inclusion. Critics argue that these policies have become too focused on social justice, diverting attention from combat readiness and traditional military values.

Supporters of the DEI programs argue that they are essential for creating a more inclusive and equitable environment within the military.

Outside Impact

The decision has sparked mixed reactions. Some military personnel and analysts view the removal of these programs as a step backward, potentially affecting the morale and cohesion of the force. Others see it as a necessary correction to ensure the military stays focused on its core mission.

The broader implications include potential impacts on recruitment and retention, as well as the military’s ability to reflect and serve the diverse population of the United States.

Future Forces

The long-term effects of this policy change will depend on how the military balances its need for diversity and inclusion with its core mission of readiness and combat effectiveness.

Key areas to watch include:

• Recruitment and retention rates among diverse groups
• Impact on unit cohesion and morale
• Adaptation of training programs to maintain inclusivity
• Legislative and public responses to the policy changes

Data Points

• Jan. 22, 2025 – Date of Trump’s executive order targeting DEI initiatives
• Jan. 23, 2025 – Deadline for removing DEI-related media and communications
• 1942 – Year the first groups of women pilots began training as part of WASP
• 1,007 – Number of women who earned their wings as part of the WASP program
• 332nd Fighter Group – Unit of the Tuskegee Airmen known for their outstanding service in WWII