Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., nominated to succeed Gen. Mark Milley as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addressed concerns regarding inclusivity initiatives within the military during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. Sen. Mike Rounds raised the issue of a female South Dakota National Guard member's discomfort during basic training due to sharing open bay sleeping quarters and showers with biological males undergoing gender transition. Brown acknowledged the need to balance inclusivity with the comfort of all service members, stating that policies should be reviewed and improved upon based on feedback like this.

Brown's appearance coincided with ongoing discussions about military recruitment challenges. He emphasized the importance of connecting with young people and their influencers to showcase the opportunities available through military service. Brown suggested that sharing personal stories of inspiration could help bridge the gap and encourage more individuals to consider a military career.

Addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion, Brown highlighted the importance of fair opportunities for all service members, regardless of background. He stressed that qualifications should remain paramount, referencing his own experience as an F-16 pilot, where his goal was to be the best pilot, not the best pilot of a specific demographic.