U.S. Army Lieutenant General Telita Crosland, head of the military’s health agency and one of the most senior Black female officers, was forced to retire, two sources told Reuters. Her retirement follows a series of leadership changes initiated by President Donald Trump, including the firing of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other top officials.
While Crosland’s retirement was publicly announced, sources revealed that she was compelled to step down after 32 years of service. The Pentagon declined to comment on the reason, referring inquiries to the Defense Health Agency, which has yet to respond.
Stephen Ferrara, acting assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, acknowledged Crosland’s service, stating, “I want to thank Crosland for her dedication to the nation, the military health system, and Army medicine.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has aggressively rolled back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at the Pentagon, arguing they are divisive. He recently criticized the phrase “diversity is our strength” as “the single dumbest phrase in military history.” Additionally, Hegseth ended observances such as Black History Month and Women’s History Month within the military.
DEI programs aim to improve opportunities for women, minorities, and underrepresented groups. While often supported by Democrats, civil rights advocates argue these initiatives address systemic inequalities. Crosland previously downplayed her race and gender’s role in her career, stating, “I don’t actually frame anything I do in terms of my race or gender… There are challenges, but I focus on my responsibilities.”
Her forced retirement marks another shift under the Pentagon’s evolving policies, raising concerns about the future of diversity initiatives in the military.