Troops and veterans of color share their experiences with racism in the ranks of the U.S. military

Summary

The video explores race and diversity within the U.S. military, highlighting personal accounts of service members who have faced racism and discrimination. It includes experiences from Black and minority service members, such as Mary Tobin, Dana Patard, and Captain George Bates, who share how racial bias and systemic issues impacted their careers. While there have been strides in promoting diversity, such as the appointment of African-American officers and the banning of the Confederate flag, many still encounter challenges. The video discusses progress, ongoing struggles, and the military’s role in shaping racial dynamics within broader American society.

Takeaways

• 😀 The U.S. military has banned the Confederate battle flag from bases and installations, but racism and white nationalism continue to be issues within the military.
• 😀 A 2019 survey found that more than half of people of color in the military had personally witnessed racism or white nationalism during their service.
• 😀 17% of U.S. military troops identify as Black, but racism remains a prevalent issue for many Black service members.
• 😀 Mary Tobin, a Black woman and 10-year Army veteran, recounts personal experiences with racism at West Point, including seeing Confederate flags in cadets' rooms.
• 😀 Even after nearly two decades, painful reminders of the Confederacy, such as the naming of barracks after Robert E. Lee, continue to persist at West Point.
• 😀 Dana Patard, a Bronze Star recipient, shares an instance of being called the N-word at West Point and the shock of hearing it from fellow cadets.
• 😀 The military's leadership ranks remain predominantly white, with many Black officers feeling their chances for advancement, such as reaching the rank of Colonel or General, are limited.
• 😀 Captain George Bates, who was passed over for promotion despite his experience and qualifications, shares frustrations about being judged unfairly based on race.
• 😀 Tobin describes a tense moment with a white superior officer who placed his hand on his gun and made racially charged comments, highlighting ongoing racial tensions in the military.
• 😀 Despite challenges, some believe the military is making progress toward diversity, with retired Marine platoon leader Assad suggesting that the military often gets race issues right compared to civilian society.
• 😀 The Pentagon has committed to addressing diversity and inclusivity in the military, recognizing that these efforts are crucial for maintaining military readiness and effectiveness.

Q & A

What major action did U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper take regarding the Confederate battle flag?

U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper effectively banned the Confederate battle flag from military bases and installations, signaling a shift towards reducing symbols of racism within the armed forces.

What percentage of U.S. troops identify as Black, and what was a key finding from a 2019 survey about race in the military?

Around 17% of U.S. troops identify as Black. A 2019 survey revealed that more than half of people of color serving in the military reported personally witnessing white nationalism or racism within the ranks.

What experience did Mary Tobin have with racism at West Point?

Mary Tobin, a 10-year Army veteran, recalled an incident during her time at West Point where she discovered a large Confederate flag in the room of two white cadet roommates. Despite feeling hurt, she confronted them about the flag, explaining how it impacted her as a Black woman from the South.

How does Mary Tobin feel about the lasting impact of the Confederate flag and related symbols at West Point?

Mary Tobin reflects that, while the Confederate flag is no longer allowed at West Point, painful reminders of that past remain, including the presence of various locations and buildings named after General Robert E. Lee.

What incident occurred during Dana Patard's time at West Point that reflected racial prejudice?

Dana Patard, a Bronze Star recipient, overheard two fellow cadets calling him the N-word. One of them later apologized, but Patard was shocked and concerned about how his peers viewed him despite his accomplishments.

What was Captain George Bates’ experience regarding racial discrimination in the Air Force?

Captain George Bates was passed over for promotion despite having superior qualifications compared to a Caucasian colleague who struggled with the Air Force fitness test. Bates felt his qualifications were disregarded due to racial bias.

How did Captain Tobin's white superior make her feel uncomfortable during an encounter?

Captain Tobin had a triggering moment when a white superior placed his hand on his gun during an interaction. When she asked him to remove his hand, he suggested that her fear stemmed from being 'from the hood,' implying that she was used to people shooting at her.

What perspective did retired Marine Platoon Sergeant Saad offer about racial inclusion in the military?

Retired Marine Platoon Sergeant Saad suggested that the military often handles race better than civilian sectors, as the military brings together diverse young adults from various backgrounds and experiences, fostering inclusivity and openness.

What historic milestone did West Point achieve with African American officers?

For the first time, African American officers led both the Air Force and West Point, marking a significant step towards greater diversity in the leadership of these prestigious military institutions.

How does the transcript frame the broader issue of racism within the U.S. military?

The transcript underscores that, while progress has been made, racism remains a pervasive issue within the U.S. military. The experiences of service members of color highlight both overt and subtle forms of discrimination, and systemic challenges persist in areas such as leadership promotions and daily interactions.