Assessing the Impact of Removing Demographic Indicators From Military Selection Boards

Abstract

This research by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) assesses the potential impact of removing data that directly or indirectly identify race, ethnicity, and gender in Department of Defense (DOD) promotion/selection procedures and develops an implementation plan specifying recommended changes. IDA did not find evidence to suggest that removing indicators of race/ethnicity and gender (i.e., removing names and pronouns) would improve diversity outcomes. Given the lack of evidence on the efficacy of removing demographic indicators, and the labor-intensive process for doing so, IDA does not recommend DOD remove names and pronouns from promotion/selection board records at this time. Rather, IDA recommends that DOD consider strategies to strengthen board procedures and address key inputs to the boards (e.g., evaluations and developmental experiences).

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 2024
Accession Number
AD1225145

Entities

People

  • Ashlie M. Williams
  • Christohper D. Oswald
  • Cullen A. Roberts
  • Dina Eliezer
  • Heidi C. Reutter
  • Janna R. Mantua
  • Jishen E. Wang
  • Joseph F. Adams
  • Juliana Esposito
  • Theresa K. Mitchell

Organizations

  • Institute for Defense Analyses

Tags

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
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  • Military/Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technology