PROJECT 2025 AND ITS IMPACT ON ACTIVE DUTY & VETERANS
In an election year that continues to find new ways to surprise us, one notable movement closely associated with Donald Trump’s bid for a second term is Project 2025. Although this almost 1,000-page manifesto is not from the Trump Administration, the Heritage Foundation and other conservative thought leaders are at the heart of the document. With so many pages and topics, it’s far too much to cover here; however, we’re taking a closer look below at how Project 2025 might affect the military community should the Republican Party win the election.
What Is Project 2025?
The Heritage Foundation and officials who have worked with Trump before are preparing for a possible victory with an actionable plan known as Project 2025. This plan, that is very controversial, is very right-leaning. Additionally, it supports the implementation of those policies should Trump become POTUS. As many as 50,000 to 1 million federal employees, many of who are Veterans may lose their jobs if this plan goes through. Additionally, many changes will impact the lives of active duty members, Vets, and qualifying family members who may receive benefits.
How Project 2025 May Affect the Military Community
Everything from the focus on future warfighters to recruitment to the benefits Veterans receives and much more are on the table with Project 2025. Here are some of the highlights which concern the military community as a whole:
Cuts to the PACT Act
Notable cuts to the PACT Act, as well as a call for audits and budget reorganization within the VA, are all a part of the plan. Conservative leaders are both calling for appropriate access for Veterans in need of benefits. They are also looking to revoke some of the benefits the expanded PACT Act helps provide to families. The right is arguing that the costs are ballooning because some illnesses covered by the PACT Act aren’t necessarily caused by military service. On the left, lawmakers are pushing back with support for Veteran benefits, which both sides were working to make accessible in the first place.
Cutting Federal Jobs
While not all of the federal jobs Project 2025 aims at involve the military, the VA is one of the biggest agencies under fire. Because there are so many Veterans who are employed by federal agencies, not only are there concerns involving access but employment within the community could also take a hit. Again, it’s unclear exactly how this would take place as Trump has spoken out against the plan. Nevertheless, Project 2025 could still influence policies should he again take office.
Mandatory Military Service
One of the more controversial policies is the Project 2025 implementation of a mandatory military draft—at least that’s what you might think based on rumors involving the plan. After reviewing the document, mandatory drafts do not appear to be mentioned. There are still references to our current volunteer system. In fact, Project 2025 is even calling for more accountability from military leaders. This is because recruitment is so low throughout the American Armed Forces. For now, there doesn’t seem to be a plan to mandate a military draft within Project 2025; however, should this change or new information become available, we’ll update this page.
A Focus on Defending Against China
Plenty of conversations have been around securing our borders; however, these policy changes seem to affect the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) more than our nation’s military branches. Where Project 2025 does focus on the military, however, is on the rising tensions in the Pacific. There is a specific focus on future conflicts involving China. The underlying message is a call for a stronger national defense capable of defeating China.
Transgender and Abortion Policies
Due to social norms and possible discrimination, it’s difficult to say how many transgender individuals are in the military or a part of the Veteran population. Some estimates show as many as 15,000+ are serving with more than 133,000 who are now Vets. If Project 2025 comes true, transgender individuals will have a harder time serving as gender dysphoria may make them ineligible. Furthermore, both surgeries involving transgender warfighters as well as abortions will stop, potentially affecting physical and mental healthcare services.
Policies Aimed at Military Families
Several initiatives aim to help military families within Project 2025, including the following:
- Improving the PCS process for smoother transitions.
- Increasing allowances and wages for military families for a better quality of life.
- Improving military housing conditions on base.
- Providing spouses with better employment opportunities as well as better access for families in need of childcare.
- Creating laws to provide education savings accounts for military families.
One of the more controversial topics Project 2025 is also looking into is changes to academic and health policies deemed “inappropriate” in the DoD school system. They are removing them after an audit.
Fewer Generals
Finally, achieving the rank of general may become even more difficult. This is because critics are aiming to reduce the number of officers ranked 0-6 to 0-9 in all military branches. Currently, we’ve surpassed the level of generals seen during World War II. This is causing critics to wonder just how many the U.S. military needs. Project 2025 isn’t the first to criticize the military’s organization as of late. There is also an initiative to provide Marines with more experienced leaders. Sources: About Project 2025, Project 2025. Accessed July 2024. https://www.project2025.org/about/about-project-2025/ Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise, Project 2025. Accessed July 2024. https://static.project2025.org/2025_MandateForLeadership_FULL.pdf Related reads: