A new update from the Air Force Inspector General reveals that minorities and women in the Air Force are still subjected to racial bias and sexism.
The update, released last week, serves as a progress report after the Department of the Air Force called for the IG to lead an independent racial disparity review.
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The initial review, which had details released last December, focused solely on black airmen and guardians, while in February the department called for another review to include Hispanics, Latinos, Asians, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders.
“The ultimate measure of success is meaningful results,” said Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall in a statement. “The IG’s update provides valuable insight into what we’ve accomplished and what remains to be done. A key part of our ‘One Team, One Fight’ mantra is about ensuring our Airmen, Guardians, and Department of the Air Force civilians serve in an inclusive environment where they can achieve their full potential. This is a top priority for me and leaders across the Air and Space Forces.”
The initial review found 16 specific disparities for black Americans in the Air Force, and since making that discovery, the Air Force has tried to implement changes to remove the disadvantages.
In particular, black service members are more likely to be investigated, be arrested, face disciplinary action, and be discharged for misconduct, while they are less likely to be promoted, and many don’t believe they have the same opportunities as their white colleagues, according to the Associated Press.
In attempts to remedy the disparities, the Air Force drafted a diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility strategy, established diversity, equity, and inclusion offices across MAJCOMs, and required an action plan on all Defense Equal Opportunity Climate Survey factors relating to diversity, inclusion, or equal opportunity that failed to reach a specific benchmark.
“These reviews are important to help us identify and address racial, gender and ethnic disparity issues that negatively affect our Airmen and Guardians,” said Air Force chief of staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. “We must continue to listen to our people, understand what they are experiencing, and receive their feedback as we take steps to improve.”
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The detailed update confirmed previous reports of racial and gender bias in the military, which is overwhelmingly male (92% of Air Force pilots) and white (78% of pilots).
“These disparities and gaps in trust affect our operational readiness — we don’t have time or talent to lose,” said Gina Ortiz Jones, the undersecretary of the Air Force. “We will actively work to rebuild that trust and ensure Department of the Air Force members, the ‘One Team’ our nation needs to protect our interests in air and space, can serve to their full potential.”
