The Pentagon has pulled its support from the Becoming Everything You Are (BEYA) Conference, a significant event for military recruitment, following a new directive that prohibits official involvement in diversity-focused events. Known for its role in supporting military recruitment and professional development in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), the conference has been a vital recruitment tool for the Department of Defense (DoD) for decades.
Tyrone Taborn, CEO of Career Communications Group, which organizes the conference, expressed frustration over the decision. Historically, BEYA has helped the military recruit young professionals, with the Army alone bringing in approximately 300 candidates last year. Despite efforts to align the event with new Pentagon policies, cancellations continued, leaving a significant gap in this year’s event.
Pentagon’s New Policy Forces Military to Step Back
The Pentagon’s new policy, issued by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in late January, mandates that government resources no longer be used for cultural awareness events, including those celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Although military personnel are still allowed to attend the event in a personal capacity, the abrupt policy change has caused a wave of withdrawals. The Pentagon had initially committed $1.5 million to the event, but that funding is now off the table.
Military branches such as the Air Force, Navy, and National Guard Bureau confirmed they would no longer officially participate. The Army Futures Command, listed as a participant, has not responded to queries regarding its withdrawal. Taborn, visibly shaken by the decision, said, “I’m just blown away. I don’t understand.”
Contractors Join Military in Stepping Back
The Pentagon’s stance also seems to have affected several defense contractors. Companies such as SpaceX, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Naval Nuclear Laboratory have canceled their participation, further complicating the situation for event organizers. While the DoD has not confirmed any direct pressure on contractors, Taborn emphasized that BEYA is not exclusively a DEI event but a prime platform for recruiting top STEM talent. “We’re not even DEI, unless you want to say there are too many Black or Hispanic people at the event,” Taborn explained, expressing confusion over the policy’s implications.
Military’s Recruiting Struggles Highlighted
The timing of the Pentagon’s decision is particularly concerning, as the military continues to face significant recruiting challenges. With recruitment goals unmet in recent years, the withdrawal from BEYA is seen as a setback for the military’s efforts to attract new talent.
At last year’s conference, the Army conducted over 540 interviews and collected 5,500 résumés, securing a number of job offers. The Army Futures Command had also contributed substantial sponsorship funds to the event. This year, the Army National Guard, Missile Defense Agency, Air Force, and Navy were expected to showcase career opportunities at BEYA. However, these branches will no longer have an official presence, which could impact recruitment efforts in a competitive labor market.
Loss of Mentorship Opportunities for Students
One of BEYA’s core components is its mentorship program, which pairs service members with high school students interested in STEM careers. However, the absence of military support has had a tangible effect on student attendance.
Taborn noted that the annual Stars and Stripes Dinner, which honors military excellence, had seen a significant reduction in guest numbers, from 1,100 to 600 this year. Traditionally, the U.S. Naval Academy also provided transportation for high school students to attend the event, but that service has now been canceled. This means many students who had hoped to engage with mentors and professionals will miss out.
Taborn has reached out to retired military personnel to step in as mentors, but the loss of official military representation remains a significant blow.
