Critics of the current administration have long bemoaned the injection of far-left social ideals into what were once considered apolitical sectors of the government — including the military.
From expecting recruits to adopt bizarre speech codes to a perceived overemphasis on diversity within the ranks of the various branches, many Republicans assert that the rise of so-called “woke” policies is a primary factor in declining recruitment numbers.
Most recently, the Navy introduced Joshua Kelley as its “digital ambassador.” Kelley identifies as non-binary and moonlights as a drag queen called Harpy Daniels.
Meet Drag Queen Harpy Daniels, the new face of the U.S. Navy. They picked the non-binary Daniels to help recruit cadets. So now Harpy is the Navy’s new Dylan. Dylan killed Bud Light Sales… what do you think’s going to happen to Navy recruitment?
Former Lieutenant Colonel… pic.twitter.com/UIELMXYbQt
— Jesse Watters (@JesseBWatters) May 4, 2023
Many Americans — including one of the most celebrated Navy SEALs alive — have since spoken out against what they see as an illogical and ineffective campaign.
Robert J. O’Neill, who took part in the mission that led to the death of Osama bin Laden, tweeted that he is officially “done” with the branch in which he served with such distinction.
“China is going to destroy us,” he wrote, adding: “I can’t believe I fought for this bulls—.”
Several other military veterans shared similar opinions about the program, which the Navy touted as a way to “explore the digital environment to reach a wide range of potential candidates.”
Retired Army Col. Kurt Schlichter wrote that such initiatives will only ensure that the U.S. military will “lose the next war.”
He referenced his father, who was in the Navy and “would have been appalled” by the current situation, noting that “he was in a Navy that won wars and didn’t run ships into each other.”
Kelley responded to the backlash by referring to critics as “haters” and claiming that they do not actually support the military.
In an Instagram post riddled with misspellings, Kelley issued a “rebuddle [sic],” writing: “Well as a service member, a queen, and an open queer person. You dont [sic] scare me and you won’t stop the LGBTQ+ community for [sic] thriving!”
Recent reports indicate that the Navy is expected to fall about 6,000 recruits short of its goal this year, which is more than the Air Force but still about 4,000 fewer than the Army anticipated shortfall.
