Over the past years there have been some key changes in the way that the military has responded to diversity. But policy
change is just the beginning, and instrumental to this change are the leaders who are charged with making sure the policies
are implemented in such a way that a culture of respect and inclusion develops and prevails.
Read the article, The Exclusive Club by Captain Velma C. Gay, of the JAG Corps (September 2013).
Respond to the following questions based on your ideas and the resources you have located to support them.
• Captain Gay suggests that: “You cannot be an effective leader in a diverse society without understanding diversity. Simply
put, you cannot lead what you do not understand” (p. 3). How do you think leaders can help develop a culture of sensitivity,
respect and inclusion in the military? How may they assist us to do so in our lives? Comment upon this in relation to your
own experiences as, or with, a leader. Please do not use names when referring to experiences.
• How might the following questions, which Captain Gay suggests leaders must ask themselves, help to further an
understanding of diversity?
•
o Do you focus on a list of cultural “do’s and don’ts,” or are you more concerned with establishing common ground with
people from cultures other than your own?
o Are you aware of your own biases? Do you challenge false assumptions?
Are you developing cultural dexterity? Are you embodying trust and fairness? Are you being consistent?
