The Decline in African American Enlistment in the U.S. Army

by School of Advanced Military Studies, U.S. Army Maj Alexis A. Neal

Description This monograph, "The Decline in African American Enlistment in the U.S. Army," will argue that Black Americans, who have historically enlisted in the Army in overwhelming proportions with respect to national populations, are now pursuing other opportunities outside of the Army. The U.S. Army and African Americans have shared a unique and somewhat dependent relationship. At one point, African Americans, who were less than 12 percent of the U.S. population, represented more than 30 percent of the U.S. Army's population. In recent years, African American enlistment has dropped to about 13 percent and constitutes less than 17 percent of the total force structure. This decline in African American Army enlistment correlates with the broadening American cultural acceptance of minorities; a generally negative perception of the George W. Bush administration and the war in Iraq by African Americans; and an extremely positive perceived future for African Americans in the United States. Increased opportunities lend themselves to African Americans achieving higher levels of education, an expanding middle class, and significant socioeconomic advancements in the U.S. and internationally. Generally speaking, or at least according to some selected media and surveys, African Americans oppose the premise for invading Iraq and distrust the Bush administration. While some military officials and social scientists have expressed concern about the decline, others believe Hispanic American enlistment will fill the void left by African Americans. Observing the apparent trends, this monograph believes the African American Army population will continue to drop to show a true representation of the American population and the Hispanic American population will continue to grow in the Army. As the demographics change and the Hispanic American population exceeds the African American population, the Army has to be prepared. To ensure that African American representation in the Army does not fall below the national population, the Army should: effectively communicate to the African American population the available opportunities that exist; use the Internet to communicate the strategic messages; and continue the community outreach programs in neighboring communities and expand them into urban areas.