In order for an organization to be effective it must be diverse, not only in the traditional sense of race, gender, and religion but in generational knowledge and experience. The Missouri National Guard cannot be an effective organization if it does not completely reflect the diverse population that resides within the communities we serve. Just as every leader knows they cannot lead every Soldier or Airmen the same way, we as an organization know that we cannot flourish without diversifying our ranks.
Each Soldier, Airmen, and civilian employee within the Missouri National Guard bring a level of knowledge and experience with them into this organization, and ensuring that they feel completely empowered to utilize their diverse set of skills is what makes us such a tremendous force multiplier. When Missouri National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are deployed overseas or activated to perform state emergency duty they bring additional civilian skill sets with them that reflect in our superior mission accomplishment.
Celebrating diversity within our organization demonstrates that we are proud of the knowledge and experience that comes from each and every member.
~Brig. Gen. Stephen L. Danner, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard
The Missouri National Guard Command Message on Diversity:
The Missouri National Guard is deeply committed to the State, Nation, and the citizens who serve in our organization. There is no resource more important to the National Guard than our Soldiers, Airmen, their Families and the civilian workforce. The men and women who comprise the Missouri National Guard reflect our culture and our values as an organization. We, as an organization also value our diversity.
The term diversity encompasses not only the traditional categories of race, religion, color, gender, age and national origin, but also all of the individual characteristics that enhance our strength of the organization.
The Missouri National Guard affirms the commitment to inclusion and affirmative action as strategic imperatives in today’s global environment.
We believe a diverse Force enriches our National Guard and leads to greater accomplishments, improved leadership effectiveness, and a more fulfilling experience for Soldiers, Airmen, Civilian Employees and their families.
Our commitment to diversity also extends beyond our organization and reaches into the communities we serve. That commitment is reflected in all public sector activities such as military support to civil authorities as well as supporting events in our communities.
Managing diversity is more than simply acknowledging differences in people.
Also, managing diversity goes far beyond the limits of equal employment opportunity and affirmative action. Leaders must be willing to work towards changing the organization in order to create a culture of diversity and inclusion. Diversity education is a key element of culture change.
However, the leadership’s support of the change cannot be understated. In our organization the dynamics of generational diversity, and the important functions of Recruiting and Retention must be properly managed to enable us to retain top quality Soldiers and Airmen.
Our generational diversity is a great strength of the Guard. We possess the best leadership that we have ever had, honed from years of experience and education. But we also derive tremendous strength from our new Soldiers and Airmen, our future leaders, bringing new skills, ideas and attitudes that will carry the organization into the future.
My goal is to capitalize on our diverse strengths and abilities by mentoring our young members especially those in underrepresented groups so that they may get the support and guidance they need in order to further
enhance their career progression. By mentoring our young Soldiers and
Airmen we ensure that they are prepared to compete for future assignments and leadership and education opportunities.
My goal is to ensure that Recruiting Staff has an accurate source of demographic information for the communities in which it recruits. Recruiters can maximize efforts to reach underrepresented groups and decrease barriers for recruiting these diverse populations that are increasing in our communities. I encourage ALL Senior Leaders to take a more active role in their communities by seeking out opportunities to develop community outreach and partnerships with the Missouri National Guard.
Our Retention Managers also have a responsibility to learn about values, customs and traditions of diverse groups and utilize this information when counseling individuals about the benefits of staying in the National Guard.
My goal is to ensure that our future leaders mirror the demographic realities of our State. I also want to eliminate those barriers that may deter certain groups from reaching their potential based on their merit, fitness and capability. I encourage our leadership to demonstrate this commitment by eliminating barriers to success for all our people and seek ways to further diversify our force.
I thank you for your time. Take care of yourself, your loved ones and those who serve along side of you. God bless you and God bless America.
