In the past few months, several Executive Orders released affecting how government organizations focus on various groups within government organizations. On April 4, the Department of the Air Force (DAF) released an updated memorandum. It rescinds and replace the previous memo, Cultural Observance Guidance, provided by SAF/MR on January 31. This new memo, Additional Guidance on Cultural Observations, includes further information on how members within the Air Force and Space Force can continue to highlight the accomplishments without specific months or dates carved out.
Rules for Attending Cultural Events
The memo starts by focusing on how members can participate in cultural events. Official resources, including the service members’ and civilian employees’ time, cannot be used to host, co-sponsor, or participate in events related to cultural awareness periods. This does not mean service members and civilian employees cannot attend events. Instead, they can attend, but it must be in an unofficial capacity outside of duty hours, not on the installation, and out of uniform. The memo made it clear that their participation “should in no way give the impression that a military unit is participating in the event or that the event is sanctioned by the DAF.”
Shifting the Focus from Group to Individual Achievement
Although participation in events, such as Pride Month, Women’s History Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, and National Disability Employment Awareness Month is no longer officially allowed, there is a way to celebrate individuals within the listed characteristics without focusing on specific groups. The memo states, “Installations, units, and offices are encouraged to celebrate the valor and success of heroes of all races, sexes, and backgrounds as we restore our warrior culture and ethos.”
Criteria for Events Using DAF Resources
The memo further explains that DAF resources can still be used to support certain events, provided they meet three specific criteria. First, the event must build camaraderie and esprit de corps. Second, it should serve as an outreach effort that directly supports the Department of Defense’s (DoD) mission. Third, it must recognize historical events or notable figures in a way that informs strategic thinking. Additionally, the event should reinforce unity, promote meritocracy, and uphold accountability. Leaders remain responsible for maintaining these standards and ensuring that DoD resources are used appropriately.
Holiday Examples and Guidance
The memo gives specific examples for different holidays and events that are a part of military culture. For example, “Martin Luther King Jr. Day: This federal holiday recognizes the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Events will not highlight the immutable characteristics of one group at the exclusion of others, and should celebrate the qualities of Martin Luther King as they embody service, character, and integrity.”
Another example was given for Valentine’s Day: “This holiday with religious origins and broad modern-day secular observance should include all, regardless of immutable characteristics and focus on love and friendship, which are essential elements of strong relationships and resilient military families.”
For religious holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Easter, the following guidance was included for both events: “should not exclude based on immutable characteristics, and organizing an event in connection with Easter is permissible to build camaraderie and esprit de corps.”
Reinforcing the DoD Mission
The memo ended by reminding members of DoD’s role and core mission. The mission is to secure our nation by producing and maintaining the most lethal fighting force in the world. The memo also reminded leaders that promotion and assignment decisions should be made based on merit, the needs of the Department, and the individual’s desires.
DAF provided a list of pre-approved events and observations, along with a list of federal holidays. Some events include Month of the Military Child, PTSD Month, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, and Suicide Prevention Month, along with others.. The memo provides both members and leaders with additional guidance so that the mission of DoD can be met. Units are still able to participate in events focused on communities where the participation directly supports DoD’s mission
