AFFIRMATIVE ACTION BELONGS IN THE MILITARY

4 Pages 1020 Words

Affirmative action was established as part of society’s efforts to address continuing problems of discrimination; the empirical evidence of its history is indication of the impact affirmative action has had on remedying discrimination in the military and society. The fact that such discrimination lingers today is testimony to the ongoing need of affirmative action in the military. Affirmative action, in contrast to many people’s beliefs, does not promote “reverse discrimination” or create quotas for commands to adhere to. On the contrary, it gives minorities and women in the military the opportunity to have jobs and positions they are already qualified for. Affirmative action plans must always remain a part of the military for three very important reasons; it continues to reciprocate the milestone acts of the past which built the foundation for civil rights, to maintain policies ensuring qualified individuals get jobs based on merit, and in order to continue setting the example of diversity for civilian counterparts worldwide.
Although the name “affirmative action” has only been applied in recent times, there is a history of affirmative action milestones that have taken place in society and the military. This history is an example of the endless fight for equality among women and all minorities. Affirmative action calls for minorities and women to have special consideration in employment, education, and contracting decisions. These actions are best represented by the amendments to the constitution, especially the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 19th amendments. These amendments abolished slavery, eventually granting citizenship to former slaves, and ensured that the right for United States citizens to vote cannot be denied or reduced on the account of race or color, and lastly the 19th amendment gave women the right to vote. Furthermore, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, title VI, states that the use of literacy or other voter-q...