This primer on diversity in the US military is intended as an overview, offering ten contributions on different minority groups whose members serve in the armed forces. The book makes the experiences of minority groups accessible to readers with different levels of expertise on the subject…. [W]ith chapters on Asian Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, women, and gays and lesbians, this book…fills a gap in the literature on diversity and military sociology. Summing Up: Recommended. All academic levels/libraries.

Choice Reviews

There is much to be applauded in this book . . . It is informative for scholars of institutions and inequality, as well as military sociologists. The chapters on transgender people and on religious minorities focus especially on introducing basic terminology and concepts to those with little familiarity.

Contemporary Sociology

Overall, this edited volume brings a fresh perspective to the issue of diversity and the contemporary US military. Each author not only contributes to the discussion of a particular group within the organization, but also a multitude of methods and perspectives to examine, critique, and compliment the military on its policies and history. This is certainly a useful and timely text, one that should be utilized by military and academics alike in an effort to continue to create a cohesive and effective fighting force that is reflective of the United States as a whole.

Res Militaris: European Journal of Military Studies

In its scope and accessibility, this volume is a valuable contribution both to researchers interested in questions of diversity and to service members who are responsible for understanding and promoting diversity and inclusion within their organizations. . . . this is a timely contribution to the study of diversity and inclusion in the US military. The rich collection of research and scholarly discussions will benefit those interested in the structure and composition of the US military.

Journal of Political and Military Sociology

A Force for Diversity is packed with information, analysis and intersections of many dimensions of diversity in the armed forces. Scholarly, but eminently readable, it is written by some of the foremost experts on the topics. This volume, filled with research and practical applications, will serve as a useful source for anyone concerned with diversity in the military, military effectiveness, and fairness.

Mady W. Segal, University of Maryland, College Park

Rohall, Ender and Matthews provide a robust and cogent presentation of the benefits and challenges of diversity in our armed forces. In an era of historical transformations in social inclusion within the military this volume stands out for its inclusive examination of diversity statuses as well as its mico- to macro-level scope of analysis. This scholarship is informative, timely, provocative and sets the standard for discussion and research on diversity in the armed forces in the 21st century.

Ryan Kelty, Washington College