Turning Aspirations into Reality: Ensuring Female and Minority Representation in the US Air Force Officer Corps and Senior Leader Ranks
Abstract
This study is an analysis of diversity within the US Air Force officer corps and senior leader ranks. Throughout the analysis, the project strives to answer the following research question: Does the US Air Force have sufficient diversity in its officer corps and senior leader positions? If not, why not? How can the US Air Force improve the situation? Admittedly, this research question also comes with an inherent difficulty. In the end, how does a researcher define "sufficient diversity?" Empirical research is quite clear that no optimal level of diversity exists. Instead, a sufficient level of organizational diversity is often context dependent and different for every organization. Despite this difficulty, the research project does provide an objective evaluation of US Air Force diversity with the aid of diversity literature and detailed data comparisons. Although the study concludes that the US Air Force does not have sufficient diversity in its officer corps and senior leader positions, the US Air Force must decide for itself what constitutes an appropriate level of diversity. This research project simply aids in that evaluation and is not intended to dictate an optimal level of diversity. Chapter One lays a theoretical foundation by examining the evolving definition of diversity and presents arguments as to why organizations--and military organizations in particular--should strive for a diverse workforce. Chapter Two presents detailed data on current and historical US Air Force demographics and provides context through comparisons to other military services, the civilian population, and the enlisted force. Chapter Three offers a comprehensive analysis of the officer career pipeline and draws on current diversity literature and proven best practices to offer recommendations on improving the diversity of tomorrow's force. To its credit, the US Air Force appears to recognize the importance of fielding a diverse force.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA540163
Entities
People
- Scovill W. Currin Jr.
Organizations
- Air University