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WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Armed Services Vice Chair and 30-year Army veteran Congressman Anthony G. Brown (MD-04) and Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) introduced the ELITE Act, to better  ensure diversity among top elements of the armed forces. 

Minority service members are dramatically underrepresented in elite units in the armed forces such as special forces as well as pilot and navigator occupational specialties. While minorities make up nearly 40% of the general population, they comprise just 11% of the fighter pilots and navigators. According to USA Today, in 2015 only 5% of Army Green Berets, 2% of SEALS and 0.6% of the Air Force's para-rescue jumpers were black.

The ELITE Act would direct the Secretary of Defense to commission a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) study within 30 days of enacting the legislation. The study would:

• Identify the current minority composition of elite Armed Forces units;

• Compare minority rates in non-elite units;

• Identify barriers to minority participation;

• Evaluate the status and effectiveness of the 1999 RAND recommendations;

• Provide recommendations to increase the number of minorities in the Armed Forces in general and within the Special Forces community
  

The Secretary of Defense would be required to act to implement the recommendations of this study.

“Our armed forces should reflect the diversity of the country they serve. For far too long, our elite forces have lagged behind other elements of our military. By evaluating and working to reduce barriers present in these units we will improve both cohesion and effectiveness,” said Congressman Anthony Brown. “The enduring legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen illustrates the feats that can be accomplished when all have a chance to serve the country they love.”

“Citizens who serve in the United States Armed Forces chose to protect American freedom and values. In order to do this effectively, the Armed Services should strive to reflect the same diversity as the nation it protects,” said Congressman Mike Turner. “The ELITE act aims to diminish barriers that minorities face when entering elite units across all armed services branches. This legislation is an important step in improving U.S. Armed Forces.”

Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

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