Global War on Terrorism -- The Propensity for Blacks to Serve in the U.S. Army
Abstract
The U.S. Army has experienced a disproportionate decline in Black recruitment. Blacks, who once represented 23 percent of annual recruits, now represent less than 14 percent. What factors have caused the disproportionate decline in Black recruits? Does the decline in Black recruits impact U.S. Army diversity initiatives? The answers to these questions provide insights to measures the U.S. Army must take to reverse this trend. This monograph explores the following critical question: Has the Global War on Terrorism caused the disproportionate decline in Black recruits for the U.S. Army? It seeks to answer this critical question using the Political, Military, Economic, Social, Information, Infrastructure (PMESII) model as a framework. The Political, Economic and Social domains are deemed most important in the analysis of Black culture. The monograph analyzes these three domains to determine any factors or trends that have caused the decline in Black recruits. Also included is a detailed, historical analysis of the propensity for Blacks to serve in the U.S. Army since the Revolutionary War. The historical section presents a foundation of patriotism and willingness to serve despite racial prejudices .For the U.S. Army, a diverse force enhances readiness. The disproportionate decline of Black recruits, if not reversed, will indirectly erode diversity initiatives due to the decrease in population of future Black non-commissioned officers (NCOs). The decline hinders the U.S. Army's ability to provide a diverse NCO Corps in the future, thus threatening its ability to effectively function and fulfill its mission, potentially impacting readiness. To reverse the decline, the monograph suggests the answer lies beyond traditional high school recruiting efforts and television commercials. The professional Black officers, NCOs and soldiers of the U.S. Army must themselves reach back to Black communities to reverse this trend.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 25, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA450631
Entities
People
- James M. Smith
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College