| Over the years, the percentage of trained and qualified African Americans serving in senior military leadership ranks is significantly lower than the percentage of African American officers serving in the enlisted officer ranks. The purpose of this qualitative research is threefold: 1) To assess the perceptions of former and current Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) officials regarding the disparities of recruitment and retention at HBCU ROTC programs, 2) To examine those factors that might help the U.S. Army attract and recruit African-Americans to join their officer core, and 3) To clarify how HBCU ROTC program officials can eliminate the high attrition rates in their programs to ensure that more African American cadets become commissioned officers. Furthermore, the reasons for low recruitment and high attrition rates of African American cadets at HBCUs were studied. Data was collected by interviewing 12 current and 8 former ROTC officials. Research findings indicated that financial assistance, campus environment, social interaction, family background, family and peers support, job opportunities available, reputation of the institution, stringent recruitment policies, wearing uniform are main factors that motivate ROTC cadets at HBCUs. Furthermore, the research highlighted that gender differences, negative perception about ROTC programs, underrepresentation of African American students' leadership positions, limited time for focusing on studies, unprepared in terms of administration, curriculum, faculty staff, and limited number of training slots are factors that negatively affect the retention of African American students at HBCUs. |
