Hispanics: An Untapped Leadership Resource
Abstract
The United States Air Force is committed to achieving diversity among all its personnel. Both the Secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force Chief of Staff have stated the desire to have the Air Force's senior leadership mirror the population it serves. The Hispanic population is the largest growing minority nationally, growing more than any other race or ethnic group from now until the year 2050. Additionally, this group is projected by 2020 to add more people to the United States annually than all other race or ethnic groups combined. Hispanic youth already make up the largest number of youth aged 18 and younger in the country. By 2050, one of every four persons will be Hispanic. This paper outlines the problem of severe under-representation of Hispanic officers, especially among senior leadership. Of all the Services, the Air Force has the least number of Hispanic officers. This paper lays out the under-representation of Hispanic officers in selections for Below the Promotion Zone promotions, service school attendance, pilot career fields, and senior level command positions. Various Service efforts are discussed and recommendations are offered in the areas of: recruiting, accessions, mentoring and development of Hispanic officers. This paper stresses the necessity to incorporate the largest minority into the Air Force officer ranks, especially into senior leadership positions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 09, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA424597
Entities
People
- Lisa C. Firmin
Organizations
- Air War College