***STATEMENT*** Protect Our Defenders Celebrates Historic Joint Chiefs of Staff Nomination of Air Force Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown

Protect Our Defenders Celebrates Historic Joint Chiefs of Staff Nomination of Air Force Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown

Protect Our Defenders urges Senate to confirm Brown’s nomination, who has been an outspoken proponent in military senior leadership to address racial inequity

Washington, DC – President Biden’s nomination of U.S Air Force General Charles “CQ” Brown as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff would be the first time in U.S. history that both top Defense Department leaders – the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs – are Persons of Color. This is a potential historic milestone given military leadership’s documented lack of diversity in senior positions. Gen. Brown has a rich history of military leadership, widely recognized for his candor and call to action following George Floyd’s death and POD’s federal lawsuit in 2020.

Protect Our Defenders’ most recent racial disparities report in 2020 revealed blatant and consistent attempts by the Air Force to cover up data on significant racial disparities, including the fact that Black airmen were disciplined at twice the rate of their white counterparts. While there is still a long way to go, confirmation of Brown would signal an important shift toward diversity in military leadership.

Protect Our Defenders Senior Vice President, Josh Connolly, former Chief of Staff for Rep. Jackie Speier (former Chairwoman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee on the House Armed Services Committee), released the following statement:

“‘CQ’ Brown has proven time and again his commitment to protecting all servicemembers and standing up for equity and justice no matter the cost. We are hopeful that Brown’s leadership will encourage a push toward diversity and a more thoughtful leadership team that values the safety, retention, and readiness of all servicemembers.

“We urge senators on both sides of the aisle to confirm Brown, recognizing his robust experience and his capacity to best equip us in the face of growing national security challenges domestic and abroad.”

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