Recruiting, Retention, and Race in the Military

Abstract

In the United States (U.S.) military, race and/or ethnicity serve as identifiable factors in recruitment, promotion, and retention patterns. African Americans are overrepresented especially in the Army and within the enlisted corps relative to their proportion within the civilian population. And while Hispanics constitute the fastest growing segment of the workforce as well as in society, they are underrepresented in the military.

This study confirms the disparity of underrepresented minorities within the officer corps. It explored the recruiting and retention challenges with certain groups, the role of race and/or ethnicity, and what the U.S. military can do to attract underrepresented groups to its officer corps. As part of the discourse, the author also draws from similar experiences of militaries within the international community.

Keywords:

• military
• officer corps
• underrepresented minorities

Notes

1. African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans

2. All nonwhite groups

3. The definition of the term “minorities” is country specific and, therefore, varies from country to country.

4. The terms African Americans and Blacks are synonymous and are used interchangeably.

5. Women are a minority in all military forces (U.S. and international militaries)