Blue Star Families’ ‘Campaign for Inclusion’ research shows inclusive communities critical for future military force

(NewsUSA) – One in three active-duty families of color have turned down military assignments due to concerns about racism or lack of inclusion in local communities, according to research from Blue Star Families’ Campaign for Inclusion. For two-thirds of these service members, declining orders led to negative career impacts — and for 15%, it was career-ending. “When military families of color turn down assignments due to community concerns, it impacts not just family well-being but our national security,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. “With most recruitable U.S. adults projected to be people of color within five years, creating truly inclusive communities isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s essential for maintaining our All-Volunteer Force.” The latest research from Blue Star Families’ Campaign for Inclusion examined how communities can better support diverse military families through case studies of three distinct military communities: Hill Air Force Base (Utah), San Antonio (Texas, “Military City USA”), and Hampton Roads (Virginia). Key findings reveal that both formal systems (like community resources and programs) and informal networks (neighbors and local connections) are foundational for military families developing a sense of belonging. Having multiple shared identities — from military affiliation to cultural...