Inclusion in the American Military

This week’s review provides a multidisciplinary approach to diversity and inclusion in the US military, showcasing the lived experiences of marginalized communities in the armed forces.

Posted on November 11, 2024 in Reviews of the Month

Inclusion in the American Military: A Force for Diversity, 2nd Edition

ed. by Morten G. Ender et al Lexington Books, 2023
314p bibl index, 9781666928730 $120.00, 9781666928747

Ender (US Military Academy), Kelty (US Air Force Academy), Rohall (Ohio Univ. Eastern), and Matthews (US Military Academy) have done a great service to students, faculty, scholars, and leaders by producing this fine volume. The editors assembled an accomplished group of contributors and revised, updated, and expanded their highly successful first edition (CH, Mar’18, 55-2692). The new work covers 11 social groups presented in three parts. Part 1 covers race, ethnicity, and immigrants, including Native Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, African Americans, immigrants, and noncitizens. Part 2 details sex, sexuality, and gender, including women, lesbian and gay service members, and trans people. Part 3 explores religion, disability, and civilians. As a bonus, each chapter shares a lived experience, highlighting a specific individual who captures the humanity of the particular subject matter in a personal and poignant way. This book combines rigorous research, cogent analysis, and clear writing. The result is a highly engaging book that will prove useful in a variety of courses on the American military. Multidisciplinary, comprehensive, and accessible, this valuable resource is essential reading for anyone interested in how and why both diversity and inclusion matter in the US armed forces.

Summing Up: Essential. Advanced undergraduates through faculty; general readers; professionals.
Reviewer: W. A. Taylor, Angelo State University
Interdisciplinary Subjects: Women’s & Gender Studies, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Studies, Racial Justice
Subject: Social & Behavioral Sciences – Political Science – U.S. Politics
Choice Issue: July 2024

Inclusion in the American Military

This week’s review provides a multidisciplinary approach to diversity and inclusion in the US military, showcasing the lived experiences of marginalized communities in the armed forces.