Bias in the Air Force Awards and Decorations Program

reportActive / Technical Report | Accesssion Number: AD1165011 | Open PDF

Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to analyze the level of implicit bias against women and minority active-duty members within the Air Force awards and decorations program. Data provided by the Defense Manpower Data Center is utilized in performing a statistical analysis of awards and decorations proffered to individuals by the Air Force from September 2006 to September 2020. The data includes twenty-three different awards for heroism and performance. The analysis compares active-duty Air Force members by rank and cross-references those individuals based on gender and race to analyze the disparity in number of awards proffered to females and non-Caucasian males compared to their male Caucasian counterparts. The analysis shows that Black officers and enlisted members received far fewer awards than expected, as did female and Asian officers. This study results in initial insights into implicit bias taking place specifically in the Air Force and recommendations for prevention and correction in the active-duty environment.

Author(s):
Stark, Patrick L.
Author Organization(s):
NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA
Funding Organization(s):
NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA, MONTEREY , CA
Document Type:
Technical Report/Graduate Research Project
Publication Date:
2021 Dec 01
Pagination:
67

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution Code:
A - Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement: Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TRECMS
Subject Terms
Communities of Interest:
Human Systems
Descriptor(s):
minority groups, air force, ethnic groups, prejudice, war colleges, business administration, enlisted personnel, hispanics, spreadsheet software, california, employment, personnel management, psychology, students, united states, urban areas, air force personnel
Keyword(s):
AFAM(Air Force Achievement Medal), EFD(Enlisted Forced Distribution), EPR(Enlisted Performance Report), IAT(Implicit Association Test), IB(Identity Blind), IC(Identity Conscious), OPR(Officer Performance Report), SBMEO(Sex-Based Military Equal Opportunity)
Subject Categories:
Behavioral and Social Sciences; Behavioral and Social Sciences
Creation Date:
2022 Mar 25
Update Date:
2022 Apr 25