Publisher's Synopsis
"Pathbreakers" highlights the experiences of African American officers in the U.S. Marine Corps from the mid-twentieth century to the present. African Americans first served as officers shortly after World War II. The book is based on oral history interviews with 21 officers ranging in rank from captain to lieutenant general whose careers, in sum, span from Vietnam to U.S. military efforts in the Global War on Terrorism. The testimonies of the various officers document the racial climate in the Marine Corps over this period and relate the strategies and approaches taken by these individuals to achieve success despite instances of racism and discrimination. The officers also comment on and evaluate Marine Corps policies for recruiting and retaining African American officers.
