When Did the US Army Become Fully Integrated?

The official process for the integration of the US Army, and indeed all U.S. armed services, began on July 26, 1948, with the issuance of Executive Order 9981. While "fully integrated" implies a completion that was a gradual process extending over several years, this executive order served as the foundational directive that legally mandated the end of segregation within the military.

The Landmark Executive Order 9981

On July 26, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981, marking a pivotal moment in the history of civil rights and military policy. This order explicitly directed the military to end segregation within its ranks, setting the stage for a dramatic transformation of the armed forces.

Key Provisions of Executive Order 9981:

• Mandate for Equality: The first article of the order unequivocally stated: “There shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin.” This established a clear policy for non-discrimination.
• Abolition of Segregation: The order called for the desegregation of all military branches and the elimination of racial discrimination in their operations and personnel policies.

The Gradual Transition to Full Integration

The journey to complete integration was not instantaneous, but Executive Order 9981 was the critical catalyst that initiated the process. Following this order, the various branches of the U.S. military, including the Army, embarked on a period of significant change. Practical integration often accelerated out of necessity during conflicts, such as the Korean War, where battlefield demands sometimes outpaced policy implementation. Over the subsequent years, all-Black units were gradually disbanded, and personnel were integrated into formerly all-White units, leading to a truly integrated fighting force. The process continued throughout the 1950s, with the last segregated units being phased out.

Significance of the Order

This executive order was a landmark decision that had profound implications not only for the U.S. military but also for the broader civil rights movement in the United States. It represented a direct challenge to the prevailing segregationist practices of the era and underscored the principle that all service members, regardless of background, deserved equal treatment and opportunity in defending the nation. Its issuance laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and equitable military.