Black power and the military

Abstract

This paper reviews the historical background of the Black Power movement in American society and its effects upon the military establishment with respect to ethnic constraints, institutional standards and the black perspective. Major issues of both the advocates and opposition of Black Power in terms of separatism and integration are also discussed. Research in terms of personal interviews with black military personnel is presented in a standard data display format and correlated to the black military individuals' self-concept and his understanding of the Black Power movement. Conclusions are presented in terms of institutional concepts and alterations necessary to accommodate disenfranchised society and minority groups within the military.