The research hypothesis is that the percentage of black male Army officers is significantly less than the percentage of black males in the 18-24 age group in the United States. This study examines the effects of population, crime and prisons, families, income, education, and the Army's planned reduction of forces on the 18-24 year old population of black males in the year 2010, as well as the impact of those effects on the U.S. Army officer corps. The study used linear regression graphs to project socioeconomic trends and analyzed their effect on the 18-24 year old black male population. The study used statistical tests to analyze the results of the survey administered to black Army officers. The research hypothesis was proven by showing that 9.9 percent of male Army officers are black, whereas 13.8 percent of the 18-24 male age group in the U.S. is black. The study further concludes that there will be a 0.4 percent increase in the number of qualified 18-24 year old black males in 2010. The study concludes that the reduction of forces and decline in Historically Black College and University production of black male officers will cause the percentage of black male officers to decline 5 percent annually. The study finds that 78 percent of black male officers surveyed have a positive perception of their Army careers, and that they can have a positive impact on the pool of qualified 18-24 year old black males. The study recommends that the Army must recruit, train, and commission more black males in the 18-24 age group. This will increase the percentage of black male officers so that they will be more representative of the 18-24 year old black male population in the United States.

ADA 242124 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)