BLACKS SAYING NO TO ENLISTING: Iraq War Causing Major Drop in African American Military Service [View All]

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http://eurweb.com/story/eur35699.cfm

Figures releases by the nation's military services and data compiled by the Associated Press point to a dramatic drop in the number of African Americans enlisting in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines.

The principal reason appears to be Black opposition to the Bush administration's war in Iraq.

Even in 2003, when there was overwhelming support for the war among the rest of the nation, African American support never rose above 44 percent in any major poll. Now, according to a Pew survey released in June, Black support has fallen to just 15 percent. That opposition is reflected in the dwindling number of Blacks enlisting for military service.

In the Army, the branch of the military traditionally favored by Blacks, the percentage of Black enlistees has dropped from 23 percent before the war to just 12.4 percent today. The Pentagon last week announced $20,000 bonuses in a bid to lure more youth into the military.