Really, it doesn’t matter how many of us are offended or how many of us think it is discriminatory or even racist. All that matters is what Navy leadership thinks and they think that it is a mandatory program. This is not some politically correct idea dreamed up by the CNO one night when he was unable to sleep. For years exit interviews and surveys along with general surveys have shown it to be a problem. The Navy cannot retain quality minorities. Since the situation has not been improving, and since it has become a significant problem, new measures were needed. Mentorship takes many forms. For someone contemplating leaving the service, they must weigh their options. When they see no one above them of a comparable race or gender, it sends a signal. Not a positive signal. This new policy simply is an attempt to level the playing field, to give every one an equal chance. If this is already happening, there will be no differences. It will bring no changes. If there was indeed a problem, things will improve. I think we should be offended or even perhaps consider it discriminatory or racist to criticize this initiative.