By the Numbers: 23 Oct. 2017
Nearly 40%
The percentage of DoD senior enlisted personnel who are nonwhite, according to a recently updated report from the Congressional Research Service -- Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity in the Armed Services: Background and Issues for Congress. The report indicates that the enlisted population as a whole is " more racially diverse than the U.S. resident population." Roughly one third of the total enlisted population is nonwhite.
However, in the officer corps, and especially at the senior leadership level, racial and ethnic minorities are underrepresented relative to the enlisted corps and the U.S. population. For example, those of Hispanic origin account for about 17.5% of the population and 17% of the active duty enlisted corps. Hispanic servicemembers account for roughly 8% of the officer corps and less than 2% of General/Flag officers. It is important to note, when considering the demographic makeup of the officer corps, there are certain requirements that must be met to become a commissioned officer. For example, the attainment of a bachelor’s degree or higher is a requirement for the appointment and advancement of most officers.
Nearly 40%
The percentage of DoD senior enlisted personnel who are nonwhite, according to a recently updated report from the Congressional Research Service -- Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity in the Armed Services: Background and Issues for Congress. The report indicates that the enlisted population as a whole is " more racially diverse than the U.S. resident population." Roughly one third of the total enlisted population is nonwhite.
However, in the officer corps, and especially at the senior leadership level, racial and ethnic minorities are underrepresented relative to the enlisted corps and the U.S. population. For example, those of Hispanic origin account for about 17.5% of the population and 17% of the active duty enlisted corps. Hispanic servicemembers account for roughly 8% of the officer corps and less than 2% of General/Flag officers. It is important to note, when considering the demographic makeup of the officer corps, there are certain requirements that must be met to become a commissioned officer. For example, the attainment of a bachelor’s degree or higher is a requirement for the appointment and advancement of most officers.