Fewer blacks, more Hispanics enlist in Corps

[unhappycamper]

Diversity down
Black enlistees less than 8 percent of accessions


Fewer blacks, more Hispanics enlist in Corps
By Bryan Mitchell - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Aug 11, 2008 6:34:19 EDT

Dante Stevenson is not your typical incoming Marine recruit.

He’s looking for the same things as tens of thousands headed off to recruit depots at Parris Island, S.C., and San Diego this year: money for college, a chance to travel, an opportunity to defend his country and serve in America’s elite service. He’s articulate, polite and determined to chart a new course.

“It’s about education and discipline and the chance to go and do something with your life,” the Arlington, Va., man said. “I want to be the best I can possibly be.”

But at 25, he’s got several years on most of his soon-to-be boot camp comrades. He’s also raising a 6-year-old son. And he’s black.

Black enlistees have become an increasingly small percentage of Marine recruits, falling below 8 percent of Marine accessions in recent years and representing about 8 to 9 percent of all Marines in the junior enlisted ranks.


Rest of article at: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2008/08/marine_recruiting_081008w/