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Army embraces diversity and inclusion during Pride Month

Pride month 2020 poster with rainbow LGBT flag vector background - paint style illustration. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender rights.
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June is designated as LGBT Pride Month to commemorate the members of the LGBT community who are part of the legacy of our nation and our Army, and to recognize the contributions that the LGBT community has made to the defense of our country.

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Throughout the Army’s history, brave lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Soldiers and civilians have served and fought for our nation. LGBT Soldiers and civilians have served with honor and pride, and have also faced numerous challenges because of their membership in the community. Frank Kameny, who served in World War II and also served as a civilian astronomer with the U.S. Army Map Service, was fired and banned from federal employment in 1957 because he was gay. He became one of the first LGBT advocates to confront the government’s ban on employment of LGBT people, especially in positions linked to national security. In 1978, Army veteran Gilbert Baker designed the rainbow flag that serves as a symbol of LGBT pride. And, in 2012 Maj. Gen. Tammy Smith became the first openly gay U.S. Army flag officer to serve since the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.

June is designated as LGBT Pride Month to commemorate the members of the LGBT community who are part of the legacy of our nation and our Army, and to recognize the contributions that the LGBT community has made to the defense of our country.

Since the repeal of DoD’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy in 2011, homosexual service members have served openly, with honor and integrity in the U.S. Armed Forces. Further, veterans discharged under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy can now apply for a discharge upgrade.

The U.S. Army embraces diversity and inclusion as ways to create a system that maximizes individual talents, increases morale and enhances military effectiveness. The Army relies on our diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise to enable us to address the complex challenges of the world. That is why, today, the service is open to all individuals who can meet the physical and mental fitness and world-wide deployability standards that qualify any applicant for military service.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are integral to overall readiness and mission accomplishment of the total force. Army leaders are committed to shaping policy and setting the conditions to foster and sustain a culture in which all Soldiers are able to have viable military careers and opportunities to reach their full potential, and will continue to sustain force capability by promoting and enforcing an open, diverse and inclusive culture that acquires, develops, employs and retains the best talent.


TAD
Transatlantic Division TAD

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division serves as USACE’s tip of the spear in one of the most dynamic construction environments in the world, STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS, BUILDING CAPACITY, and ENHANCING SECURITY for our nation, allies, and partners. 

We SAFELY deliver agile, responsive, and innovative, design, construction, engineering and contingency solutions in support of U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command and other global partners to advance national security interests.

Transatlantic Division News

  • October

    A debris crew works to remove debris from the last multi-unit residential property, The Spinnaker condominiums, in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' debris removal program, August 26, 2024. The completion of all residential debris removal in Lahaina is expected in the coming weeks, just over a year after the August 2023 wildfires destroyed more than 2,200 structures. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Susan Lee)

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division Personnel Support Hawaii Wildfires Recovery

    Several staff members assigned to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division were activated to support U.S. Army Corps of Engineers response to the Hawaii wildfires.
  • Three U.S. Army Corps of Engineers standing on a project site in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

    Engineering the Future: The USACE’s Role in Regional Security

    When it comes to delivering engineering, design, and construction support and services in one of the world's most dynamic operational environments, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division stands as a model of excellence, adaptability, and commitment. Known as USACE’s tip of the spear, the Transatlantic Division excels in providing agile, responsive, and innovative design, construction, engineering, and contingency solutions. Supporting U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command, and other regional partners, the division plays a key role in sustaining and advancing enduring U.S. interests.
  • U.S. Army Col. Christina L. Burton, the U.S. Army Central engineer director, views the results of the Assessments and Solutions for Survivability from Emerging Threats live-fire demonstration at a U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center test range at Fort Johnson, La., Sept. 18.

    Building Tomorrow's Solutions: USACE's Commitment to Innovating Force Protection

    In a world where threats to military personnel and operations are ever-evolving, safeguarding lives has never been more critical. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is at the forefront of this mission. Providing engineering, design, and construction support and services within one of the world’s most dynamic operational environments, USACE’s Transatlantic Division is committed to providing the innovative solutions essential for protecting those serving downrange.

  • June

    ChatGPT Four U.S. uniformed male soldiers standing in a circle, one passing a long gold flagpole wrapped with a red flag with white fringe wrapped to another soldier.

    USACE Expeditionary District welcomes new leadership

    The “Always Forward” U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Expeditionary District conducted a combined change of command ceremony welcoming new leadership to the only forward-deployed district serving in the Central Command area of responsibility.
  • one person on a ladder speaking to another person.

    USACE Transatlantic Division observes National Safety Month

    June is National Safety Month, and employees here are engaging in a variety of trainings designed to keep them safe on the job.

  • April

    Male civilian engineer stands in front of a structure on a runway that is under construction.

    Expertise at the Front: How USACE Experience Powers U.S. Army Success

    In the vast, dynamic landscape of the U.S. Central Command’s Area of Responsibility, the success of the U.S. Army's mission is intricately linked to the infrastructure that supports it. For more than 70 years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has played a crucial role in providing the critical engineering, design, and construction expertise that ensures operational readiness and resilience across the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Levant. The Transatlantic Expeditionary District, as USACE's only forward deployed district in support of contingency operations, continues this legacy by being the sharpest tip of the spear, strengthening partnerships, building capacity, and enhancing security for our nation, allies, and partners.
  • U.S. Army command sergeant major speaking to group of Soldiers.

    Empowering the Future: USACE Division CSM Visits U.S. Army Engineers in Kuwait

    In a significant event aimed at fostering professional growth among U.S. Army Engineer Regiment Soldiers, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division Command Sgt. Maj. Clifton D. Morehouse held an open forum discussion with active duty and reserve component engineer Soldiers deployed to Kuwait. The engagement offered a platform for non-commissioned officers to engage directly with one of USACE’s division level senior enlisted leaders, exploring the pivotal role of engineers in achieving Army objectives and the value of mentorship and professional development within the NCO ranks.
  • U.S. Army Col. Mohammed Z. Rahman, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Expeditionary District commander (center), along with district engineers and the regional safety chief, discuss ongoing progress during a site visit at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Apr. 8, to review the Udairi Landing Zone Transition Repair project, demonstrating USACE’s dedication to maintaining operational excellence and ensuring project success.

    Building Resilience and Respect: USACE’s Role in Sustaining Military Capacity at Camp Buehring During Ramadan

    Strategic Infrastructure is crucial for sustaining military capability, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plays a vital role in ensuring its effectiveness. As a part of monthly rotational site visit engagements, U.S. Army Col. Mohammed Z. Rahman, USACE Transatlantic Expeditionary District commander, along with a team of district engineers and the district Safety chief, traveled to Camp Buehring, Kuwait, to review two key projects: the Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facility and the Udairi Landing Zone Transition Repair projects. These engagements exemplify USACE's commitment to operational excellence and project oversight.
  • U.S. Army Col. Mohammed Z. Rahman, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Expeditionary commander (left), along with Brig. Gen. William C. Hannan, Jr., USACE Transatlantic Division commanding general (right), discuss infrastructure projects at a meeting in Iraq, Sept. 15, showcasing the leadership and commitment that drive USACE's efforts in advancing infrastructure developments across the U.S. Central Command region, including Kuwait. (U.S. Army Photo by Richard Rzepka)

    USACE Strengthens Partnership for Global Infrastructure in Kuwait

    In a significant meeting held on March 17, at the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait, U.S. Army Col. Mohammed Z. Rahman, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Expeditionary District commander, and Viet Nguyen, Expeditionary District deputy district engineer, engaged in strategic discussions with The U.S. Ambassador and the Economic Counselor from the American Embassy in Kuwait. The engagement centered around enhancing the role of USACE in the context of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, PGII, and its implications for U.S. and allied economic and national security interests.

  • March

    photo of Zenovia D. Wilcox, a senior program manager and Army Corps civilian

    USACE Transatlantic Division employee embarks on Army Coaching Program journey

    A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division employee is undertaking an intense talent management program in order to help fellow employees in their careers; the first employee in the organization to do so.