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| Race and ethnicity | Active-duty enlisted women, in % | Active-duty enlisted men, in % |
|---|---|---|
| White | 54.08 | 69.86 |
| Black | 28.92 | 16.94 |
| American Indian, Alaska Native | 1.39 | 1.16 |
| Asian | 4.97 | 4.43 |
| Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander | 1.65 | 1.21 |
| Two or more races | 4.31 | 2.96 |
| Unknown | 4.66 | 3.45 |
| Hispanic (any race) | 21.39 | 17.90 |
- Source: CNA Corporation, US Department of Defense - U.S. distribution of race and ethnicity in the military
- Region: United States
- Time period: Fiscal year 2019
- Published: 2021
Data Analysis and Insights
Gender disparity in racial and ethnic representation
Women of White ethnicity have the highest representation among active-duty enlisted women at 54.08%, significantly higher than their male counterparts at 69.86%. Conversely, Black women are disproportionately represented at 28.92% compared to Black men at 16.94%, highlighting a notable gender disparity in racial and ethnic representation within the U.S. military.Hispanic representation
Hispanic individuals, regardless of race, have a considerable presence in the military, with 21.39% of active-duty enlisted women and 17.90% of men identifying as Hispanic. This suggests a significant contribution of Hispanic individuals to the military workforce.Minor racial groups' representation
Active-duty enlisted personnel from minor racial groups such as American Indian, Alaska Native (1.39% women, 1.16% men), Asian (4.97% women, 4.43% men), and Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (1.65% women, 1.21% men) show a balanced gender distribution. However, these groups have relatively low representation in the military.Multiracial representation
Individuals identifying with two or more races account for 4.31% of active-duty enlisted women and 2.96% of men. This reflects the military's diversity, albeit at a modest scale.Frequently Asked Questions
What is the representation of White ethnicity among active-duty enlisted women and men?
Active-duty enlisted women of White ethnicity are represented at 54.08%, while men are at 69.86%.
How does the racial representation compare between Black women and men in military?
There's a disparity with Black women disproportionately represented at 28.92% compared to Black men at 16.94%.
What is the representation of Hispanic individuals in the military?
The military workforce has a considerable Hispanic representation of 21.39% among active-duty enlisted women and 17.90% among men.
Terms and Definitions
Military composition refers to the breakdown of the military population based on various demographic factors. This composition can include factors like race, ethnicity, gender, age, rank, or any other demographic element.
Race is a social construct that categorizes individuals into groups based on physical characteristics such as skin color, hair type, or facial features. Common race categories in the U.S. include White, Black or African American, Asian, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander.
Ethnicity refers to a person's cultural identity and background, often linked to geographical, linguistic, or religious origins. Unlike race, which focuses on physical characteristics, ethnicity is more associated with culture and tradition. Examples of ethnicities include Hispanic or Latino, Middle Eastern, or East Asian.
Gender refers to the social, behavioral, and cultural attributes, expectations, and norms associated with being male, female, or nonbinary. It's different from biological sex in that it's based on societal and individual experiences, attitudes, and behaviors rather than physical traits.
The Army is the land-based branch of the U.S. Military. It's responsible for land warfare operations, including ground combat, infantry battles, and support operations.
The Air Force is the aerial and space warfare branch of the U.S. Military. It's in charge of air combat, aerial support, and aerospace operations.
The Marine Corps is a component of the U.S. Military that operates on land, in air, and at sea. It functions as a rapid-reaction force, able to respond to global emergencies swiftly.
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