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Colonel (Ret.) Ookie Pook Raider Opinions

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This entry was posted on 8/24/2006 2:52 PM and is filed under Best Branch.

Which branch of the military is best for African Americans in the Department of Defense. In my opinion it is the Army simply because I served in the Army for 30+ years, over half my life. The Army has long had a reputation for moving African Americans up the ladder. That's why there are many more Blacks in the Army than any other service. There are also a hellava lot more Black Generals in the Army than all of the other services combined. Col (Ret.) Raider

 

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    • 8/25/2006 2:15 PM Princess Facen wrote:
      I agree with COL Raiders comment. The Army affords numerous opportunities to excel. Education is a major factor and they promote it and sponor you to go back to school to earn higher degrees. Since the eighties, I have personally witnessed (from my recall) in the Army Nurse Corps three African American females selected to be Corp Chiefs at the rank of Brigadier Generals, in the MSC Corps three African Americans selected to head the Medical Service Corps as Brigadier Generals and four African Americans to head the Medical Corps as Brigadier General. Each position was held for a period of 4 years. We had significant representation in this branch of the service for the past 26 years. The numbers may be small but it shows that opportunity exist.
      Princess Facen, COL, AN
      Reply to this
    • 8/25/2006 6:33 PM Ookie Raider wrote:
      Thanks, Princess for your reply, Lord, I was beginning to wonder if we were "still" only "thinking" here. Looks like the Army is the clear winner here. In my day, we were not afraid to speak our opinions. What's the hell's happened? I haven't been retired that long. If this topic doesn't move you, suggest one...I'll be waiting...Raider out
      Reply to this
      1. 8/25/2006 7:49 PM Ensign Jackie Steele wrote:
        Navy's in the house. I love this site and think that it will be a great medium to discuss some real issues as soon as folks loosen up. Anyway, let me ask you, is Ookie Pook your real name? Ens. Jackie Steele
        Reply to this
        1. 8/25/2006 8:36 PM Ookie Raider wrote:
          Wow, the Navy chides in. CDR Black's old crew. Yes, this site can be a great avenue to fling some gauntlets,
          and no my real name is not "Ookie Pook". It's actually Preston Raider. But,if you visit my hometown in Oklahoma and inquirer about Preston Raider, they wouldn't have a clue who you were talking about. But, mention 'Ookie Pook' and they'll probably give you a big bear hug and invite you over for fish, cabbage and cherry cola. The Navy....   Ookie Raider out
          Reply to this
    • 8/29/2006 12:32 PM Debbie-san wrote:
      Air Force One in the house! In my opinion I don't feel as though there is any one branch of the military that is better for African Americans. I am an African American female and over my 20 years of service I have accumulated quite a few friends and acquaintances in all branches of the military. After speaking with them over the years I feel that all of the branches have their glass ceiling and their "good ole boy" networks. The sistas endure sexual harassment every step of the way to wherever they end up and the brothas have to work twice as hard as their Caucasian peers to prove themselves. You have to do your homework on the different branches, weigh your options, know what you can endure, set your goals, believe in what we're fighting for and know that you could loose your life fighting for your country. Consider sexual harassment in the military a future subject. Air Force One out!
      Reply to this
      1. 8/30/2006 10:08 AM Judge wrote:
        Debbie-San, I agree. There is no one branch better for Blacks. It is up to the individual to succeed. I believe I qualify in saying this after having spent 3 years in the Marine Corps, 26 in the Air Force, and working as an Army civilian for 23 years. Sayonara.
        Reply to this
    • 9/13/2006 2:34 PM LCDR Gordon wrote:
      COL Raider - I'm currently working on my Master's Thesis titled: Causes and Effects: African-American low representation within the senior officer ranks." I can't answer the mail yet with data to support my claim, because I'm still working and researching. However, I will provide these numbers (current as of FY06 2nd qtr)and say they don't look good for the Navy home team: Total active force - 364,035
      Total White enlisted force-196,233
      Total White officers - 44,781
      Total Black enlisted - 65,914
      Total Black officers - 4,242
      Our officer numbers diminish greatly as you move up the chain especially 0-4 and up. 217 Admirals we have 11 with one Black female soon to pin on a star (hooray). She'll be our only Black female Admiral. Of note, there are 11 white female Admirals (if memory serves me right don't have numbers with me now). Trying to determine what's the cause and will let the facts as I find them speak for themselves. I will say, I've worked with all branches of the service officers and I must admit the Army African-American officers and senior enlisted personnel that I've worked with or met in passing were sharp and confident. My Navy comrades I'm just being honest from my point of view (you may call it shallow if you wish). So Col Raider, I'll be in touch with my results. Go Navy Beat Army!!
      Reply to this
      1. 9/16/2006 9:49 AM Carlton Taylor wrote:
        I want to read that paper!!! Serving in the AF, I am looking for clarification on the glass ceiling of race. As such I would love to see the truth in words and facts. Historical trends found while searching GO bios is very interesting.
        Reply to this
    • 9/16/2006 12:39 PM LeRoy Thomas wrote:
      Col Raider, your article was very interesting and your points were well taken.

      However what's lacking is strong mentorship program with an organization that stands behind and in front of men and women serving in the armed forces, which help pave the way to their success.

      This mentorship doesn't do the work for them it should show them and encourage them along the way.

      We they have questions this would be the reliable source for many of their answers.

      This is how we can produced excellent future leaders and business men & women for this nation.

      Also, giving us a voice that can and will be heard.

      Take yourself Col Raider, you have the ability and what it takes to help many of our young poeple over the hurdles, leading them to success and greatness. Why? Because you have done it already.

      At every turn I try to mentor the young people that I've come into contact with and the results have been outstanding.

      United States Air Force, "Still flying high."

      Retired Senior Master Sergeant... Ho..Raaaah!
      Reply to this
    • 10/9/2006 7:30 PM D Cummings wrote:
      I was in the Air Force and I must admit that I am very much in favor of the Air Force being the best branch for African Americans.I think it offers many technical training schools , opportunity for advancement and you or not out on the front line as much with a weapon being shot at or shooting at someone as as the Army and the Marines.I will take my chances in the Air Force any day.
      I do know that the system is probably the same (blacks working 2x's as hard our females being harrassed, and promotions slowly).Being out since 1973 I have a son who has just finished his 4 yrs. in the Army and and all I heard was how perjudice and unfair the system was for black trainess trying to get in the special forces in the Army.I also have a son who will finishing Basic Training in the Air Force next week and I cannot wait to hear his stories.
      The bottom line is this: It doesn't matter whether you are a soilder or civilan you are going to face perjudice and racisim in life it's how you handle each situation that gives you the opportunity to grow as a man/woman, soilder and as and as a human being.We must learn that being Black means that many of our battles will not be always on the battle field but many times in the classrooms, our minds and hearts.We must trive to be the BEST!! and accept nothing less. We must be willing to pry the closed door opportunity open with bloody fingers (from writing), sleepy eyes (from study), a strong heart to withstand the problems and willing mind to be willing to to what ever it takes to succeed.We must be willing to put our backbone in place of our wishbone and then and only then will we see the results.
      May each and everyone who reads this be BLESSED!!
      Reply to this
      1. 11/7/2006 4:15 PM Albert Bowers wrote:
        We could argue this all year and probably no amount of torture could get us to say any other branch than the ones we served in. Being Black in the Military is no different than being Black in the corporate world I found out when I returned. The good news is because of my service there was nothing they could throw at me that I couldn’t handle. Also, having served in the Military erases any desire to except or tolerate any second class treatment from the corporate world. I am not retired Military I served from 65 through 69 and we paid our dues for this American dream and my Military service entitled me to demand it.

        I have seen the best of the best. What I am sure we could all agree is that we have met some stellar comrades and some of the best Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, and Marines that the world has ever known then and now. They will forever be in our thoughts and prayers.
        A buddy of mine sent me this web site. Finally one that can get it told. Thank You.
        Reply to this
    • 5/21/2007 12:33 PM Karole wrote:
      I also ask the question, Why would an African American join the military today....to what benefit would it be? I'm also a military veteran with a son and a daughter....I would not suggest that either of them join the military (any branch) what for?

      I would prefer that they go on to college or find careers that will support them in the future....I have never felt supported by the military during or after entering and I struggled once I decided to not re-enlist....I'm now working on a Ph.D. in Psychology....I'm hoping to work with returning veterans.....they need it!!!

      I would never join again and would not suggest any African American do so.....let's face it, this is not our fight and we are still trying to gain our racial ground here in America....Young African Americans must ask the question prior to joining any American government group...."What is this going to do for me, long term".....

      There must be some benefit because patriotism simply does not cut it.
      Reply to this
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