Diversity Thursday

...of course it's Aspen

Before you read the below, I want you to think of all the trouble and delays you have had in getting Sailors to schools for in-rate training.

I want you for you to think of what you would like to do with the finite time and money available for your command to get ready for the expected war west of the International Date Line.

I’d also ask for you, as you read the below, to add up all the costs to the Navy funding the political operation below; the multiple flights, lost work days, per diem, etc. Look at some of the phrasing, the world view - and then think exactly what this does to support forces afloat. (NB: all emphasis mine).

1. Soliciting applications for the 2024 International Career Advancement Program (ICAP) Fellowship. ICAP is a professional development and networking opportunity for mid-career professionals who support the Navy Team and Navy’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy. The 2024 ICAP Fellowship consists of an optional (not funded by N1) 1-day introductory session in Washington, DC (September 2024) followed by a required week in Aspen, CO (13-21 September or 21-29 September 2024). Registration fee (includes lodging, meals and transportation) and air travel for the ICAP Fellowship will be funded by OPNAV N1. More information regarding the ICAP program can be found at www.icapaspen.org.

2. Application. All applications require Command endorsement addressed to ICAP Selection Committee to be considered. Specific application requirements are listed in the attached application package. Application package must be completed and returned to N17 NLT 2359EST on 24 Apr 2024. Extensions will not be granted. Email completed application package to: [redacted]@us.navy.mil and cc Shereka.f.[redacted].mil@us.navy.mil.

3. Applicants. This is a highly competitive program open to Navy personnel, military and civilians, according to the paygrades listed below. Specific application requirements can be found in attached document “ICAP Requirements and Checklist - 2024.” Selection and participation in the fellowship do not extend service obligation. This program is not available to USMC military or USMC civilians.

- Military Applicants. Participation is open to all Navy O-3 to O-4 and E-7 to E-8 Active Duty and Reserve.

- Civilian Applicants. Participation is open to Navy civilian employees in the permanent grades of GS-11 to GS-13.

4. Requirement. After completion of ICAP, Fellows should continue communication with the OPNAV N174 People and Culture branch for participation in associated webinars, roundtables and any applicable working group meetings as permitted by Fellows’ schedules. 5. Point of Contact. LCDR Shereka [redacted] (Shereka.f.[redacted]@us.navy.mil)

What is ICAP? Just look at its founder and their board. That will answer your questions.

Why is OPNAV underwriting those people? To ask the question is to answer it.

What is OPNAV N172? It didn’t ring a bell to me. Its full title is “OPNAV N174 People and Culture” and appears to have come in to existence some time in the first half of 2022 if my googlefu it solid.

They are part of the 9th circle of OPNAV hell, the N17 shop.

They’ve taken over all the Commissar Awards etc that have been in place since Ronaldus Magnus was CINC. They are also headlining all the Commissar Instructions etc…so we know what they are, even if they have changed their name to the Orwellian “People and Culture.”

They’re the Navy’s DEI Direktsiya, the “Bureau of Diversity” or BUDIV.

Want to cut OPNAV overhead? Want to gather some personnel savings?

Start with N17’s manning document.

If the next (R) administration does not send a team over there with a set of pliers, a blowtorch, and a battle axe, then why even bother?