WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch Did DEI Produce a Military Recruitment Recession?
Jan 14, 2026
Former U.S. Congressman Mike Gallagher, a Marine and defense expert, joins political scientist Kevin Wallsten to explore how President Biden's DEI agenda may have deterred potential military recruits. They discuss the impact of DEI policies on military culture and the significant drop in white male enlistment. Gallagher notes that Marines excel in recruiting due to their adventurous identity, while Wallsten highlights that declining patriotism and misconceptions about service members have further complicated recruitment efforts.
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DEI Shift Linked To Recruitment Drop
- DEI initiatives in the military coincided with a sharp drop in recruitment, especially among white males.
- Mike Gallagher and Kevin Wallsten argue abandoning DEI and refocusing on warfighting helped reverse enlistment declines.
The Shortfall Was Demographically Specific
- The recruitment shortfall was concentrated among white males, not across all demographics.
- Targeted data and polling showed white male veterans grew less likely to recommend service after 2020 policies and messaging.
Extremism Claims Undermined Trust
- Claims of large-scale right-wing extremism in the ranks proved unsupported and eroded trust.
- An independent December 2023 report found only about 100 extremist cases per year, few tied to white supremacy.
