Under-Representation of Hispanic-Americans in the U.S. Army's Officer Corps: A Study of An Inverse Dynamic.
Abstract
Our U.S. Army places high priority and commitment to achieving true diversity within its ranks. Hispanic-Americans are now the fastest growing group in the United States. According to Census Bureau projections, they will constitute the largest minority group in the Nation by 2005. (They would be the largest group today if the population of Puerto Rico were included). Hispanic-American youth, ages 18 and below, are already the largest minority group in the country in that age category. By 2035, one in five Americans will be Hispanic-American. Hispanic-Americans are drastically under-represented in the Army's officer corps, Documented data reveal that while Hispanic-Americans comprise about 11.4% (12.8% if Puerto Rico is included) of the country's population--and growing more rapidly than any other group-the Army's Hispanic-American officer content is only at 3.5%. This severe under-representation--coupled with factual indicators that Hispanic- Americans have the potential, desire, and history of serving with distinction-- presents an "inverse dynamic." The purpose of this research project was to identify the primary reasons underlying this under-representation and, more importantly, to provide concrete practical recommendations on how to "fix" it. Several recommendations, if implemented, will have policy and program implications. They will have significant, wide reaching, and long term impact. Based on the research methodology and analysis of the data, numerous findings and recommendations emerged. For simplicity, they were categorized into four areas: Exposure to the military; Educational attainment; Cultural issues; and, Outreach and mentorship by the military and Hispanic community. This document discusses the components of each in detail.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 14, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA366745
Entities
People
- Hector E. Topete
Organizations
- United States Army War College