More Latinos Wanted in the U.S. Army

The United States Army wants to increase the number of Latino soldiers.  Despite the fact that Latinos make up more than 15% of the U.S. population, they only count for 13% of U.S. soldiers.  Do you think there should be more Latinos in the U.S. Army? Speak Out! 

Johnny Roman, Recruiting Officer for the United States Army, stated, "Its unfortunate that the number of Latinos [in the army] is not as high as we want it to be.  That is why we are motivating Latinos to join the U.S. Army."  Pete Geren, Secretary of the U.S. Army, participated in a recruitment ceremony for new soldiers in Times Square on October 2, 2008.

During the ceremony in Times Square, nine new soldiers were sworn into the U.S. Army.  During Hispanic Heritage month, the U.S. Army honors Latino soldiers.  First Class Sergeant Johnny Roman was praised for his great work.  Roman mentioned that he wanted to see more Latinos in the army so that they "can prove that [Latinos] can achieve great things."  He also added that he would "[b]e very proud to see other Latinos make the decision [to join the Army] so that we can all grow as a community."  Roman went on to explain that the U.S. Army has helped him become the person he is now.

For Roman, joining the Army was a "tremendous opportunity" in which he learned discipline, respect and leadership, and was given the opportunity to get an education. He said that the Army takes young adults away from violence in the cities and gives them the opportunity to obtain an education. 

Roman also stressed that there is no difference in treatment between a Latino soldier and any other soldier in the Army.  He said, "[n]o matter where you are from, the opportunities are the same for every soldier." 

Is it correct to assume that if it weren't for the U.S. Army, Latinos wouldn't have the opportunity to obtain an education and learn discipline?  What about those Latinos who have obtained a great education without going to the U.S. Army?  Speak Out!