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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