INTEGRATION OF THE ARMED SERVICES: INTRODUCTION.................................................................. 4

Truman. This order established equality of treatment and opportunity for all members of the armed services, regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin. The path was set for desegregation of the services and the integration of women following the issuance of Executive Order 9981. The following document reviews historical laws, policies, and trends which influenced the desegregation of the services, starting with the Colonial Era and moving through to the present day. The contributions of Native Americans, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and Women are discussed for each time period. Master Sergeant Michael Ledesma, U.S. Army, served as an Equal Opportunit