Representation Within Occupations

Tables 4.14 and 4.15 present the distribution of officers across occupational areas by gender and race/ethnic group, respectively. At a glance, the data suggest the need for officers to have technical knowledge in addition to more general leadership and management skills. More than one-third of officers were working in jobs classified as part of tactical operation. Together, the second, third, and fourth most populous occupations—health care, engineering and maintenance, and supply—approximated the manning levels of tactical operations. Appendix Table B-37 provides FY 2000 occupational area data by Service, including personnel classified as non-occupational.

Representation of women within occupations. Table 4.14 shows significant assignment differences between male and female officers. Despite expanding numbers of and roles for women, it takes time to bring women into new positions and career fields, as has been the case in FY 2000. Significantly greater percentages of men than women were in tactical operations (42 and 9 percent, respectively), whereas greater percentages of women than men were in "traditional" female occupations of administration (12 and 6 percent, respectively) and health care (43 and 14 percent, respectively). Appendix Table B-38 shows the assignment patterns by Service and gender.

Representation of minorities within occupations. The percentage of each racial/ethnic category by officer occupational areas is shown in Table 4.15. In FY 2000, racial and ethnic groups of officers generally had similar patterns of representation across occupational areas, although fewer Blacks, Hispanics, and "Others" were assigned to tactical operations. Greater percentages of officers in the "Other" racial category than Whites, Blacks, or Hispanics were in health care positions. Larger proportions of Hispanics than Whites and "Other" minorities were in administration, while smaller proportions were in health care occupations. Proportionately more Blacks than other racial/ethnic groups were in the engineering and maintenance and supply occupations. Blacks were also more prevalent in administration than either Whites or "Other" minorities. The Services strive to achieve racial/ethnic balance during the assignment process. Such a focus is important because occupational assignment is related to promotion opportunities and success as an officer.

Regardless of race/ethnicity, the largest percentage of officers worked in tactical operations; the lowest percentages worked in intelligence and scientific/professional occupations. Appendix Table B-39 provides data on occupational areas by Service and race/ethnicity.

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