A Marine Corps veteran appeared on Newsmax on Tuesday to defend Pete Hegseth and voice concerns about the impact diversity efforts will have on military recruitment and standards.
Jessica Quezada, from her extensive experience overseeing recruitment in Orange County, California, said there is a growing trend to prioritize diversity quotas in military recruitment policy. Monaka exterior Quezada also told “Rob Schmidt Tonight” that there are slots for women in the organization.
“I worked as the marketing director for the Marine Corps Recruit Band in Orange County, California, for four years, and in reality, hiring quotas took into account women, diverse ethnic backgrounds, educational attainment, athletic ability, etc. We’re thinking about what types of individuals are coming in to fit a diverse narrative,” Quezada told Rob Schmidt.
Quesada said diversity is important, but it shouldn’t compromise the Marine Corps’ traditional standards.
“And I don’t think there’s anything inherently wrong with wanting to have diversity within our ranks, but I think they’re continuing to make ours throughout the things that you actually mentioned tonight. Considering the fact that they meet the standards, it is so. There is a lack of motivation to serve because there is no longer any motivation to be proud of the title they have earned,” Quesada said.
Quesada said he reflected on the military’s past strength and was concerned about its current trajectory. (Related: Exclusive: New ad targeting Joni Ernst heats up Hegseth approval battle)
“Standards have been lowered across the board, not just for women serving in combat roles, but for the U.S. military itself. All the things that are crossed out to join based on high school diplomas, GEDs, and physical exams. Look, these things are happening and it’s weakening our military from the outside in,” Quesada said.
During his confirmation hearing Tuesday, Hegseth said he was informed by numerous active-duty service members that the military lowered its standards to meet quotas for women and other diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. He said the practice was humiliating to capable women in the service.
“It disrespects the incredibly capable women who meet that standard,” Hegseth said of DEI standards and quotas.
Hegseth served as an infantry officer in the Army National Guard in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. According to Go to his website. Many veterans and military colleagues who served with Mr. Hegseth supported his nomination as Secretary of Defense by signing a letter of support.
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