A Strong Fighting Force Is a Diverse Fighting Force

Abstract

A strong fighting force is a diverse fighting force. Said another way, diversity equals combat power. Therefore, we should strive to have diversity, both up and down the ranks, because it makes us better. In addition to the benefits of diverse views and opinions, it is important for the top echelon of military leadership to reflect the diversity of the Nation not to achieve numbers for the sake of achieving numbers, but because young enlisted members and officers need to see a way to top leadership positions if they have the drive and talent to get there. I grew up in Southeast Washington, DC. In my neighborhood, and for the most part in my world, there was little diversity. As a kid, I played with African- Americans, went to school with and was taught by African-Americans, went to church with African-Americans, and my role models and heroes were African- Americans. On the surface, I suppose there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, that type of isolation within one s own ethnic group or hood is not uncommon. In hindsight, however, I realize that so many Americans spending their formative years this way is a problem because America, as a whole, is not represented and its diversity is not highlighted.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2015
Accession Number
ADA618535

Entities

People

  • Larry O. Spencer

Organizations

  • National Defense University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Cyber
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • African Americans
  • Air Force
  • Air National Guard
  • Employment
  • Ethnic Groups
  • General Officers
  • Information Operations
  • Leadership
  • Management Personnel
  • Mentors
  • Military Science
  • Minority Groups
  • Personnel Management
  • Schools
  • Students
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Educational Psychology
  • International Relations, focusing on Korea-Africa and North Korea-South Korea relations, and Nigeria-Latin American Relations.
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.