Attending the meeting were Mr. Gordon England, Deputy Secretary of Defense; Mr. David Chu, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel; General George W. Casey, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army; Admiral Michael G. Mullen, Chief of Naval Operations; General T. Michael Moseley, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force; General James T. Conway, Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the numbers of minority and female officers in the Flag ranks of the U.S. military, particularly as it relates to 4-star Generals/Admirals.  In addition, the need to increase the pool of minority and female candidates for promotion into the Flag ranks and the obstacles to advancement were discussed.

During the meeting Rep. Clarke urged the military leaders to develop mentorship programs for women and people of color that provides them with an opportunity to be placed on the officer’s track.

“The enlistment of women and minorities is only part of the equation,” stated Rep. Yvette D. Clarke.  “I am urging the top personnel brass to do the right thing by our young women and men and provide the tools and guidance necessary so that they know that becoming an officer is not a farfetched illusion, but a reality that is tangible.”

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