Dansby, Stewart, and Webb (2001) wrote, "In many ways the military has always been a mirror of American society, reflecting back the scars and blemishes as well as the face of the nation" (p. xvii). Explain how the military has done this in terms of diversity

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Suggested Response: As far back as the Civil War, the military recruited blacks and immigrants. They investigated racial desegregation by conducting an experiment in integration of black and white soldiers with positive results. Despite these results, military leaders reflected society by continued opposition to desegregation until the Korean War when it became necessary. Just as there were protests and riots in the United States, there were riots on military bases in the 1970s. Although the military is now integrated, there continues to be pockets of groups promoting white supremacy, just as in society.
Prior to an all-volunteer army, women compromised only 2% of military personnel and they were generally relegated to medical and administrative assignments. This reflected the jobs of women in society at the time. Although women in the military have increased, they continue to face sexual harassment and sexism due to the cultural ideas of masculinity that encourages bigoted and sexist behaviors. Although women have been close to combat in their positions of support, they did not receive medals and pay allotted to the men who were officially listed as combatants. Women have had to lobby for the right to command military police companies, pilot helicopters, and serve in artillery units.
Although gay men have always served in the military it did not become an issue until World War I when regulations excluded openly gay men and lesbians. "Don't Ask, Don't Tell' allowed gay men and lesbians to serve as long as they kept their sexuality a secret. As society has accepted gays and lesbians and they are making their presence known, the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has allowed them to openly serve in the military.