under the authority of the Secretary of Defense may provide courses, training, or any other type of instruction that directs, compels, or otherwise suggests that members of the Armed Forces, military dependents, or civilian employees of the Department of Defense should affirm, adopt, or adhere to the tenet described in subsection (a). (c) Distinctions and classifications (1) In general No organization or institution under the authority of the Secretary of Defense shall make a distinction or classification of members of the Armed Forces, military dependents, or civilian employees of the Department of Defense based on account of race, ethnicity, or national origin. (2) Rule of construction Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the required collection or reporting of demographic information by the Department of Defense. 5. Merit requirement All Department of Defense personnel actions, including accessions, promotions, assignments and training, shall be based exclusively on individual merit and demonstrated performance.