USASOC Prioritizes Pride Over Patriotism: Posts LGBTQIA+ Flag

The United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), entrusted with the training of the Army’s Special Forces, made the audacious decision to display an intersex-inclusive Pride Progress flag across their social media channels. In doing so, they sparked a well-deserved backlash from conservative voices and patriotic former Green Berets.

USASOC’s digital platforms prominently displayed the flag during June, recognized as Pride month, and were quick to acknowledge the roles of LGBTQ+ members in American military history. However, in their hasty bid to applaud ‘inclusivity’, they blurred the lines of tradition and respect for the flag that our men and women in uniform have fought under for centuries.

The Pride Progress flag showcased a purple circle on a yellow background, supposedly representative of the intersex community, and a host of other colors supposedly encompassing every possible gender identity. But in trying to cater to all, they seemingly overlooked those who hold the traditional American flag in the highest regard, those who view it as the sole symbol of unity and sacrifice.

USASOC, ignoring these valid concerns, doubled down, referencing a Department of Defense memo marking June as “LGBTQI+ Pride Month.” This approach was backed by Under Secretary of Defense Gilbert Cisneros, Jr., who saw fit to add ‘intersex’ to the department’s Pride Month recognition, marking a disturbing departure from tradition.

Although USASOC remained silent on the number of intersex or non-binary Special Forces soldiers in their ranks, and whether its commander, Lt. Gen. Jonathan P. Braga, approved of the posts, their actions have only further ignited the debate on the true meaning of inclusivity, unity, and respect for our nation’s symbols.

Alexander J. Williams III