Affirmative Action in the Military

African Americans have fought in American conflicts since colonial days. The segregation practiced during the Civil War endured until abolished by President Truman in 1948. Since the all-volunteer force was established in 1973, the number of African American troops has risen; in 1991, they composed 28 percent of the Army and three-fifths of some combat units. Thus desegregation and affirmative action in the military have been years ahead of that in civilian society. Current policy seeks to increase the enlistment of whites and to ensure fully equal treatment and opportunity and good race relations.