Military veterans say racism in the ranks often isn't camouflaged: "It hurt me dearly"

The national conversation about race includes the U.S. military. Defense Secretary Mark Esper has effectively banned the Confederate battle flag from bases and installations. But that's only part of the issue.

In a 2019 survey by the Military Times and Syracuse University, more than half of people of color serving in uniform said they had personally witnessed White nationalism or racism in the military.

According to the Defense Department, around 17 percent of U.S. troops identify themselves as Black.

"CBS This Morning" spoke with several former active-duty service members of different races and religions, about their experiences.

Captain Mary Tobin, a 10-year Army veteran, said racism in the ranks often isn't camouflaged.

"As a Black woman, I had to wonder, 'Okay, is this happening because I have ovaries, or because I have melanin?" she said.