Race and Gender in the U.S. Military

Abstract

The issues of race and gender representation in the military have been raised recently, the first because of the Persian Gulf War and the second because of the change in combat job restrictions. The history of these interrelated issues is reviewed, recent trends in enlistment and applicant rates are presented, and current policies regarding race and gender representation are evaluated. The article suggests that recruiting ceilings for women could be eliminated without adverse consequences, while representation goals for racial and ethnic groups might be appropriate, which would have the effect of reducing black but increasing Hispanic representation.