US Marines May Ban Gendered Terms ‘Sir’ and ‘Ma’am’ to Avoid ‘Misgendering’ Superiors
Photo: Joel Rivera-Camacho on Unsplash
The United States Marine Corps is now considering a ban on the terms “sir” and “ma’am” to prevent recruits and Marines from “misgendering” their superiors.
In 2020, the Marine Corps awarded $2 million to the University of Pittsburgh’s Warrior Human Performance Research Center to conduct a two year long study on “gender-integrated recruit training” which was explained in a lengthy, 738-page report.
“Employing gender-neutral identifiers eliminates the possibility of misgendering drill instructors, which can unintentionally offend or cause discord.”
“By teaching recruits to use gender-neutral identifiers for their drill instructors, Services underscore the importance of respecting authoritative figures regardless of gender.”
University of Pittsburgh
The report recommends replacing “ma’am” and “sir” with non-gendered terms such as titles and last names, however leadership is not entirely on board with the switch as of yet. The study also points out that in some branches of the military, gendered terms have already been removed from “integrated” environments.
“Instead of saying, ‘ma’am’ or ‘sir,’ recruits in these Services refer to their drill instructors using their ranks or roles followed by their last names. Gendered identifiers prime recruits to think about or visually search for a drill instructor’s gender first, before their rank or role.”
University of Pittsburgh
Just last year, the Navy released an instructional video on “proper pronoun use” to service members, explaining that misgendering can be offensive, and create a toxic work environment.
“‘Using the right pronouns is a really simple way to affirm someone’s identity, it is a signal of acceptance and respect,’ one of the video hosts says, ‘it’s not about you at all.'”
TPUSA Live Feed
Shortly after it was revealed that recruitment numbers fell far below expected levels, despite the military’s best efforts, which included temporarily dropping the requirement to possess a high school diploma for enlistees, as well as offering $50,000 signing bonuses for new recruits. Service members, including those who were close to reaching their 20-year retirement mark, exited the military in massive numbers following the COVID-19 vaccine requirement. Many claimed to have also experienced required trainings which harped on leftist talking points, and embraced Marxist ideology.
Many young Americans who may have considered enlisting are now left questioning whether it is worth putting their life on the line for leadership that does not respect their medical and religious exceptions (concerning vaccinations), and does not represent their values or beliefs in any way, share, or form.
As the right continues to lose whatever influence it had on the armed forces, the left seems to be filling the power vacuum with some of the worst social aspects imaginable. Leadership and “top-brass” appear to be more focused on adhering to leftist doctrines than building a formidable military.
These policies and concepts are first introduced in military academies and university classrooms, and then are injected into the culture of the military from the top-down. Until more conservatives begin to acquire these critical military leadership positions, this is far from the last disturbing policy change affecting rank and file soldiers who just wanted to serve their nation.
