Hearts and Minds on the Home Front: What Military Leaders Can Do to Attract African American Males to Careers as Officers in the Army
Abstract
This Naval War College Advanced Research Project examines race relations, assimilation, acculturation, and the resultant attitudes developed by and about African-American cadets and commissioned officers with respect to transitions and careers in the United States Army. This empirical study was conducted through a literature review and interviews with U.S. Military Academy cadets and commissioned officers who shared their experiences and thoughts on their transition to military service from a race-conscious society. Results from this study are expected to inform Military Academy and U.S. Army leaders on methods and processes that will make the transition into military service a positive experience for African-American officer candidates and point them toward careers in the Army. Findings from this study illustrate the complex issues that are still faced by African Americans, regardless of education and economic status, as they enter the Army. Recommendations from this study are cogent and direct, with the ultimate possibility of enabling change in the status quo. Given the prominence of race awareness and racial tensions in American culture, how can the United States Army gain an understanding of transitions to military service for African-American officer candidates with a view toward improving the retention of officers who enter service through the United States Military Academy? What are the barriers to assimilation and acculturation involved in the transition process and what methods are best employed to make the transition an objective-based yet positive experience for African-American officer candidates?
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA482602
Entities
People
- Lester W. Knotts
Organizations
- Naval War College