Current as of December 2014

Learn more at www.nationalguard.mil

Point of Contact: NGB Public Affairs at (703) 607-2584

Army & Air National Guard 

Diversity and Inclusion

Best Practices

N.M.: Implemented one-on-one 

counseling for women and

minorities to address

advancement. New Mexico’s 

Pre-Command course now 

includes diversity training.

S.D.: Established partnerships 

with tribes to provide medical and

engineering training. Hosted

generational and women’s 

symposiums to increase cultural 

awareness and competencies.

Conn.: Implemented attendance 

policy for fulltime workforce to 

attend special emphasis events. 

Recruiting and Retention 

performs a “Final Formation 

Survey,” more detailed than the 

usual exit survey.

Minn.: Established metrics that 

enable them to forecasting the 

need for new strategies to recruit 

and develop diverse talent. 

Mentoring is primary effort with 

Minnesota’s creative retention 

program.

N.C.: Improved exit surveys as 

they collect information from all 

types of separations. Targeted 

recruitment initiatives and 

incentives to allow R&R to meet 

end strength. 

For more details on best 

practices or ideas from other 

states please contact the State 

Joint Diversity Executive Council

representatives located at our 

GKO website:

https://gkoportal.ng.mil/joint/J1/

D08/SitePages/Home.aspx

When you call upon the National Guard, you call 

upon America

The National Guard Bureau defines

diversity as creating a cultural climate that allows 

people to maximize their potential by capitalizing 

on the unique talents of each member of our force.

We view inclusion as an organizational strength 

based on our commitment to a positive work environment that promotes and 

respects our differences and similarities – both visible and invisible.

Our diversity is a reflection of more than 3,000 American communities where 

the men and women of the Guard live, work and serve. 

Our diversity is the untapped power of non-traditional ideas gleaned from our 

members’ learning and teaching styles. Our diversity is the sum total of our 

Soldiers and Airmen and civilians; their life experiences, cultural and language backgrounds and their individual unique talents. Our diversity

multiplies our capabilities and enhances our readiness.

The establishment of Diversity Councils is recognition by the National Guard 

that we must commit to and capitalize on the power of broad perspectives,

varying talents, and skill-sets to fully understand, anticipate and respond to 

rapidly changing domestic and international challenges.

On Feb 18 2010 the NGB established the Joint Diversity Executive

Council (JDEC) composed of more than 30 members. The primary function of 

the JDEC is to provide timely feedback as well as advise the chief of the 

National Guard Bureau, the state TAGs and state leadership regarding

 impending and current issues, professional development opportunities, best 

practices as well as offer a forum for process review.

JDEC members developed the National Guard Diversity Strategic Plan to 

provide a roadmap to attain the highest state of military readiness with a more 

adaptable, culturally competent and innovative force. This plan is required by 

Public Law 112-239, the NDAA for FY13 (section 519) and outlines diversity 

and inclusion initiatives along with reporting requirements to the Military Leadership Development Commission. 

The National Guard continues to be in America’s vanguard as we support and 

defend our nation. We foster opportunities for all citizens based upon their 

talent and ability. 

We must continue to develop adaptive leaders who can innovate, cooperate 

and appreciate new ways of executing our mission with state and

international partners. By embracing diversity and a culture of inclusion, the 

Guard will thrive in an era of evolving global threats. 

Our ability to leverage the wide experiences, diverse outlooks and perspectives in our ranks contributes to an even more dynamic and responsive

National Guard.