Discrimination Of The Black Minority Population In The US Army (Essay Sample)

Minority in the Military
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Introduction
The US military contains men and women from different origin, race, and religion. The demographic setting of the current military has primarily changed since the end of the Second World War. The composition of the army reflects the diverse societal change and integration in the country. As of 2015, the active duty troops in the country stood at 1,340,533 which is viewed as the smallest number since 2001. Surprisingly, the American share in the military has reduced from 0.5% to 0.4%. The male predominately populates the forces compared to women. In 2015, 17% of the active duty officers were women which shows an increase from 12% in 1990. The central aspect and center of the controversy is the issue of racism in the military. However, the minority group in the US forces consists of 40% which shows a significant rise from 25% in 1990 and during the cold war. As of 2015, 44% of all American population aged between 18 and 44 years were categorized as a minority. Blacks, have been the primary center of racial controversies comprises of 17% active duty military. This study aims at assessing the issue of black discrimination in the military and the measures which the federal government is taking to curb the menace.[Parker et al., Pew Research Center 27.] [Parker et al., 28.]
From 1917, over two million black minority have actively participated in the military actions of the US. Little research has been done to ascertain the extent to which the minority were disproportionally selected to the join the military. As well, from the year 1940 to 1973, the black minorities were less likely to be selected to join the army compared to the white majority. The policies in the US towards the blacks joining the army were somewhat ambivalent. Habitually, the policies which existed encouraged white only participation in the military, however, the blacks were only allowed in case there is a workforce need. For that matter, the African Americans have fought in almost all wars which involved the USA. For instance, in the Revolutionary War, the president, George Washington had banned the participation of the blacks against the British. Conversely, when the British government offered to release all the slaves who fought in their war, Washington allowed the blacks, therefore, to participate and fight alongside with their colonies. Again, during the 1812 war, the black population was excluded from participation. However, the need to increase the number of troops saw the recruitment of over 3000 blacks.[Lutz, Journal of Political and Military Sociology 165.] [Lutz, Journal of Political and Military Sociology 166] [Butler et al., “All that we can be: Black leadership and racial integration the Army way." New York, NY: Perseus Book Group 45.]
Currently, the discrimination against the US black minority has reduced, although, the menace is still reported across various camps. According to the report published by Protect Our Defenders organization, the service men and women are more likely to be punished in the 4 out of the 5 US armed force branches. According to the report, the blacks are at least 1.29 and as much as 2.61 times more likely have disciplinary action taken against them more than whites in the same crime in a year. The findings are replicated in the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy and the General Army. Many people ask if the blacks should defend the country that never protected them during the slavery period. Many people blame the lack of diversity among the top military posts as the source of challenges black minority face in the military[Protect Our Defenders. Protect Our Defenders 21.] [Protect Our Defenders 22.]
The American government has come up with various legislations and protective measures to ensure that racism and discrimination in the military are stopped. The continued monitoring of the racial climate by the US government and other human rights active bodies has enabled the country to reduce the instances of racial discrimination. Also, the government has declared racial discrimination and racism in the forces as the constitute human rights violation and abuse. In 1948, 26th July marked the most significant day in the US military in relations to inclusivity and integration of the military. That was the end of racial segregation in the US armed forces. The Executive Order 9981 issued by President Harry S. Truman where the all military personnel will be treated with equality, given equal opportunities with no regard to race, religion, national orig...