Hmmm...
I was tempted to avoid this thread, but then that wouldn't be any fun.
The armed forces, when it comes to race, have a record of being quite progressive. In fact, a number of former generals and a couple of Secretaries of Defense have filed a brief siding with the University of Michigan in its affirmative action case heard by the Supreme Court.
What role does race play in officer selection? I'm sure it plays some role. The military wants, in fact needs, minority officers. It looks bad when you have a disproportionate number (compared to the general population) of enlisted men being led by an all white officer corps.
However, the days of this progressive attitude may be numbered. When the relatively moderate-to-liberal Vietnam era admirals and generals who run the military retire, they will be replaced by what I gather to be more conservative field and company officers now in service. That could curtail minority recruitment.
http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/news/columnists/acel_moore/5536142.htm
http://www.thestate.com/mld/state/news/opinion/5229349.htm
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Mongol General: ...Conan, what is best in life?
Conan: To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of the women!
Mongol General: That is good.