The Navy announced updates to its Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) policy in NAVADMIN 051/20, released Feb. 27, emphasizing tenets of inclusion as well as strengthening mechanisms and processes that aim to ensure inclusivity is prioritized force wide.

The policy update incorporates I&D under the 21st Century Sailor Office and the Culture of Excellence (COE), which is a Navy-wide approach led by the fleet to achieve warfighting excellence.  The policy update is accompanied by release of an inclusion and diversity framework document—the U.S. Navy Inclusion and Diversity Goals and Objectives—which provides a road map for Navy leaders and Sailors to build inclusive teams at all levels.

“The importance of both inclusion and diversity cannot be overstated,” said Vice Adm. John Nowell, the Chief of Naval Personnel who also serves as the Navy’s Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer per the updated policy. “As a Navy, it is imperative we draw on the diverse resources, skills, capabilities, and talents of our people, and that we not think, and act, and look the same.  Equally, we must be inclusive – creating a culture where everyone feels they can provide their opinions and are valued for who they are.” 

I&D are separate ideas, and they both are necessary to enhance operational readiness. The update signifies a shift in singularly focusing on diversity to an inclusive mindset, aligning with industry best practices to cultivate maximum potential of the workforce. While the Navy will continue to recruit and retain a diverse talent pool, additional emphasis will be placed on fostering inclusion going forward.

“Inclusion is the act of valuing and integrating each individual’s perspectives, ideas, and contributions into the way the organization functions and makes decisions,” said Dr. Jess Milam, special advisor for I&D within the 21st Century Sailor Office. “Being inclusive is essential to what we do– deliberately engaging our diverse resources: the skills, capabilities, and talents of our people.” 

The update also rolls out the three primary goals of I&D:

• I&D Goal 1: Institutionalize inclusion and diversity across our Navy.
• I&D Goal 2: Attract and recruit the best talent from our diverse nation to cultivate a high-performing and innovative workforce.
• I&D Goal 3: Develop and retain Sailors and civilians by ensuring an inclusive culture across our workforce.

Other systematic changes include the designation of Inclusion and Diversity representatives at major commands (Echelon 2) who will provide advisement and input as part of a broader working group to ensure inclusivity becomes cultural.   

The U.S. Navy Inclusion and Diversity Goals and Objectives can be found here: https://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/21st_Century_Sailor/inclusion/Pages/Resources.aspx

This policy update is in line with the #MyNAVYHR goals of manning the fleet and developing a 21st century fighting force that is focused on Sailor readiness.  The #MyNAVYHR team strives to modernize policies while challenging traditional processes to ensure an effective system of personnel management.

For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, follow us on Facebook at https://www.navy.mil, Twitter at https://twitter.com/mynavyhr or visit https://www.navy.mil/cnp.

Get more information about the Navy from US Navy facebook or twitter.