The Role Of African Americans In The Military

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For much of our history, the U.S. military has been a testing ground for groups seeking inclusion in American society. Today, new groups including women and homosexuals are seeking equal treatment. Throughout America’s history, from the Battle of Lexington to the Battle for Fallujah, black Soldiers have honorably answered the call to duty, serving with great valor and distinction in America’s armed forces.(“African Americans in the U.S. Army for WWW.ARMY.MIL.”)
Every February, the U.S. Army celebrates and pays tribute to black Soldiers and recognizes the important contributions they have made in past wars. This research has led me to draw several conclusions about the role of African Americans in the Unites States military. African Americans have fought as bravely, heroic, and as successfully as white Americans no more no less so. Black military achievements deserve special praise because they took place in the face of racism and discrimination. It takes special devotion to defend a country which has denied African Americans full rights as a citizen.
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One has to look closely to see this. The practice of giving black soldiers the most dangerous assignments in unpopular wars is not a sign of racial progress, but rather evidence of racism. So while it would be inaccurate to see the military as an institution more racially biased than other American institutions, it would be equally inaccurate to see the military as a haven of racial tolerance. I would still conclude that the military has moved more quickly toward racial equality than most other American institutions since the end of the Vietnam War. Blacks certainly have more opportunities to become officers than ever