Hispanics in the U.S. military

Abstract

This thesis approaches the theme of Hispanics in the military utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods to identify their role in meeting the militaryâ s future manpower needs. The qualitative portion of the study begins with an examination of the historical record of diversity in the military. Contemporary information is derived from interviews with active duty Hispanic personnel, high school counselors and JROTC instructors. The results of the interviews suggest positive views of diversity and reinforce the strong influence of family members and friends in the career decision-making process for Hispanics. The high school dropout rates of Hispanics were attributed to non-traditional family lifestyles and poor English-language skills. The quantitative portion of the study undertakes econometric analysis of military attrition, promotion, and retention of Hispanic enlistees. Enlisted cohort data for all services from 1992-2005 was used to estimate the multivariate attrition, promotion, and retention models. The results of the statistical analyses suggest that Hispanics have lower predicted rates of first-term and early attrition, and higher rates of retention beyond the first term and of promotion to E-4. The authors recommend additional studies focusing on JROTC, Hispanic Officers, marketing and diversity management training.