CNN
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After greater than 35 years within the US Marine Corps, Lt. Gen. Michael Langley would be the first black normal to realize one of many department’s highest ranks.
The Senate Armed Companies Committee held a affirmation listening to Thursday for Langley, who has been named commander of US Africa Command, which oversees the nation’s army presence in Africa. If the Senate confirms him, he would be the Marine Corps’ first black four-star normal. Within the 246-year historical past of the Marines, 73 white males have reached the four-star rank.
“It’s a nice honor to be the President’s nominee to steer US AFRICOM,” Langley stated at Thursday’s affirmation listening to. “I’m grateful for the belief and confidence given by him.”
Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Langley graduated with a bachelor’s diploma from the College of Texas at Arlington and has served with the Marine Corps since 1985. The son of a U.S. Air Drive veteran who served for 25 years, Langley has commanded in each degree and has served on many continents, being stationed in international locations resembling Japan and Afghanistan throughout his profession.
Langley holds a number of superior levels, together with a Masters in Strategic Nationwide Safety Research from the US Naval Warfare School, in addition to a Masters in Strategic Research from the US Military Warfare School.
final yr, Stars and Stripes reported that Langley was considered one of solely six black generals within the Marines.
Black service members have involved in every American conflict dating back to the American Revolution within the 18th century, the place every department had completely different insurance policies round racial segregation till President Harry Truman formally desegregated the army in 1948.
Concerning longstanding racial disparities and variety points within the army, some army officers have sought to address racial prejudice throughout the armed forces.
or CNN Review 2020 knowledge supplied by the Pentagon and the Division of Veterans Affairs revealed the stark actuality that black service members are much less prone to turn out to be officers and, in consequence, extra prone to be severely injured whereas serving in comparison with their black counterparts. white.
In his opening remarks, Langley spoke concerning the difficult worldwide safety atmosphere and the systemic results of present international tensions in Africa, in addition to the challenges dealing with the continent specifically. He stated he hopes the command will proceed to deal with problems with strategic competitors and extremism in Africa by integrating diplomatic efforts.
“I’m captivated with committing throughout the federal government to faithfully implement the insurance policies and orders of the President and the Secretary of Protection,” Langley stated on the conclusion of his opening remarks in the course of the listening to.
