Posted on Jun 3, 2015
Should the military evolve its current race classification system?
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As a country we continue to become a large melting pot. Exposure to different cultures develops more well rounded perspectives of who people are in their entirety. In many situations troops with Latin backgrounds are simply classified as "caucasian", Soldiers with darker complexions are "black", and recently many asians/pacific islanders were "yellow" on their ERBs. So not only is it a bit dated, but can be quite inaccurate.
Furthermore, what is the significance of identifying individuals using this segregated system of I.D.? For instance my name is SFC Joe Snuffy, blood type O+, 70" tall with brown eyes and I weigh 180lbs. At this point the category of race is moot. Or is it?
Furthermore, what is the significance of identifying individuals using this segregated system of I.D.? For instance my name is SFC Joe Snuffy, blood type O+, 70" tall with brown eyes and I weigh 180lbs. At this point the category of race is moot. Or is it?
ERB
Ethnicity
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
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The military's use of race statistics is based on the current federal definitions. I'm sure when it changes, the military will change soon after.
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I believe that we no longer need to differentiate. What does it solve?
We can let the EO training and surveys collect that data but as part of a personnel file, what purpose does it serve other than for statistics and 'goal' setting.
We can let the EO training and surveys collect that data but as part of a personnel file, what purpose does it serve other than for statistics and 'goal' setting.
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Col Joseph Lenertz
Yes, remove all references to race...including the photo, from personnel files. No reason for them at all. If applying for a special duty assignment where being attractive is part of the job (e.g., pentagon public affairs), a full-length photo is already part of the requirement for application.
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How about we just list everyone as "Soldier", "Sailor", "Airman", or "Marine" and leave it at that?
I don't care if you are Red, Black, Orange, Purple, or Yellow with blue poka-dots. As long as you do the job effectively, that's all I need to know.
I don't care if you are Red, Black, Orange, Purple, or Yellow with blue poka-dots. As long as you do the job effectively, that's all I need to know.
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SMSgt Thor Merich
I agree 100%. I don't care where your parents came from, whether you use the bathroom sitting or standing, who you choose to share a bed with, or which god you choose to worship. What matters is when the shooting starts are you with me or not.
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It most certainly should be a moot point. The demographic classification is so that politicians can stand and beat on their chests and say that the Military leads the way in race Relations.
Can people not see that if we are truly to have a color blind society, that the US Military should be the leaders in that as well? Dr King said he wanted men to be judged by the content of their character, let the US Military be the trailblazer in this.
ELIMINATE all reference to race and gender in all official documents and promotion files. In the military we should all be green....and NOTHING ELSE.
Can people not see that if we are truly to have a color blind society, that the US Military should be the leaders in that as well? Dr King said he wanted men to be judged by the content of their character, let the US Military be the trailblazer in this.
ELIMINATE all reference to race and gender in all official documents and promotion files. In the military we should all be green....and NOTHING ELSE.
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SFC (Join to see)
The military is the ideal situation to erase the races. Proving that it shouldn't weigh in on someone's performance or potential. Great point and I look forward to this day in the near future as the demand and reality of a colorblind military begins to exist.
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I am not all "white" or Asian. I am a little of both so we need a choice for that. I can't ever find the American block.
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SFC (Join to see)
I put "other" and they always change it back to black. You are right, where are my choices? Great point.
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The term "african american" has always killed me considering many black people are not from Africa, and many people from Africa are not black. I had a white friend who was born/grew up in Africa and wanted to put "African American" on his medical school application. I had to explain to him why that was probably a bad idea, even though he is officially an African American.
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SFC (Join to see)
MAJ Dews, that was the main reason felt this system is outdated and in some ways does not apply a realistic educated approach to our current culture. Once someone belongs to several ethnic backgrounds and possess a certain tone of skin, we generally apply the race we associate with the skin color. Accents then add more confusion. Other currently covers more than 50% of our military. Its unfortunate no one would recognize a person of fair skin as African American, through history we know Alexander the Great and Mark Anthony both contested African in Rome's name. Also the Moors of Africa went to populate Sicily with the population there.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Charlize Theron is from South Africa, and now an American citizen (2007). Therefore she is African American.
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Evolve into what, SFC (Join to see)? Are you suggesting the military use either no or one race (human race)?
I'd need to look into the reasons we identify each race to provide a quality response.
I'd need to look into the reasons we identify each race to provide a quality response.
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SFC (Join to see)
SGM Quick,
Yes I'm recommending NO race classification at all. After studying the origins of cultures, languages, and background in healthcare, I can't find a scientific or logical reason to do so. Tell me how to conduct first aid, then break it down by race why it should differ? Or how to do an on the spot correction and how race would make the situation different. The use in the past was to positively acknowledge each race. Now with the evolution of our culture and EO, I don't see the need any longer to classify.
Yes I'm recommending NO race classification at all. After studying the origins of cultures, languages, and background in healthcare, I can't find a scientific or logical reason to do so. Tell me how to conduct first aid, then break it down by race why it should differ? Or how to do an on the spot correction and how race would make the situation different. The use in the past was to positively acknowledge each race. Now with the evolution of our culture and EO, I don't see the need any longer to classify.
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PFC (Join to see)
As a healthcare specialist do you not see the need to know a person's race when trying to diagnose a disease or illness? I mean you are right, race is irrelevant putting a tourniquet on a bleeding limb but it could be a huge factor for a genetic disease.
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Yes. We need to eliminate any and all references to any race other than "human".
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If that is the case SFC (Join to see), that we should eliminate the use of race statistics in the military, should that hold true for civilian life? No more this race suspect was shot by this race police officer?
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