The effects of the military drawdown on recruiting of minority officers

Abstract

This thesis examines the effects of the defense drawdown (from 1988 through 1994) on the accession of racial/ethnic minorities into the military's officer corps. Analysis focuses on changes in minority representation by source of commission and occupational categories. In addition, the thesis looks at the relationship between graduation from a Historically Black College (HBC) and promotion to 0-4. Logistic models were used to evaluate an officer's probability of being promoted to 0-4, and ordinary least squares models were employed to evaluate length of time to promotion. The results indicate that the level of representation for some minority groups declined within specific areas; but, on the whole, minorities experienced an increase in representation during the drawdown period. Also, statistical analyses suggest that attendance at an HBC has no significant effect on time to promotion but, it is positively related with an increased probability of promotion to 0-4 during the period of study. Continued monitoring of minority representation is recommended. 14. SUBIECT TERMS: minority; defense drawdown; accessions; promotion; Historically Black Colleges.