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Chapter 8:

Race

As shown in Table 8.2, Hispanics and Blacks were more likely to express an inclination for military service in the Advertising Tracking Study than their White or Other race/ethnic counterparts. In the quarter after the attacks, Hispanic propensity rose 13 percentage points (from 26 percent in the quarter prior to September 2001 to 39 percent in the quarter following September 2001). Similarly, Other race propensity rose 7 percentage points (from 13 to 20 percent over the same time period). For Hispanics, at least, the increased enlistment propensity was temporary and essentially disappeared in the following quarter. For all other racial groups, the percentage of respondents with positive propensity six months after the attacks was not much different from what it was a year earlier.

When asked directly whether the events of September 11th had an effect on their consideration of military service, there were some substantial racial differences in responses, as shown in Figure 8.3. More than half (53 percent, across all time periods) of Blacks indicated that the events decreased the likelihood that they would consider military service.[Footnote 5] Most members of other racial/ethnic groups indicated that the events had a positive effect on the likelihood that they would consider enlistment. The difference between Blacks and other racial/ethnic groups did not appear to diminish over time.

Table 8.2.  Propensity for Military Service by Race/Ethnicity and Time Period
 
Time Period
 
Mar-May 2001
Jun-Aug 2001
Sep 2001
Oct-Dec 2001
Jan-Mar 2002
White
15.1
16.2
21.6
13.9
16.0
Black
24.9
20.2
20.0
22.6
22.3
Hispanic
35.8
26.1
30.5
38.5
28.0
Other
18.6
12.6
28.0
20.0
20.0
Total
19.8
18.2
23.3
19.1
18.9

Source: Data provided by DMDC from the Advertising Tracking Study, March 4, 2001 - March 23, 2002.

Figure 8.3. Positive or neutral effects of September 11th attacks on military propensity, by race/ethnicity
Figure 8.3. Positive or neutral effects of September 11th attacks on military propensity, by race/ethnicity


[Footnote 5]  As denoted in Figure 8.3, fewer than 50 percent of Blacks reported that the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 had a positive effect or no effect on military propensity. [back to paragraph]

 

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