The Pentagon failed to respond to questions about a peer-reviewed study seeming to debunk key research used to underscore arguments for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives throughout the military. The Department of Defense (DOD) and the Navy have each cited studies conducted by global consulting giant McKinsey & Company to justify DEI policies and recruiting and retention efforts favoring minorities. Department leaders say business practices apply to the military and characterize the studies as further evidence that more racially and ethnically diverse teams yield better performa…