THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, March 2, 1996 TAG: 9603020254
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL NOWELL, ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: CHARLOTTE LENGTH: Long : 105 lines
While the commanders of North Carolina's military bases want to deny that racial tensions persist in their ranks, many soldiers feel that serious problems exist, according to a state NAACP study released Friday.
``We need to find a cure, and fast,'' said Kelly Alexander Jr., president of the state NAACP and a member of the task force that investigated the issue. ``We can't sweep this under the rug and whitewash it.''
The 14-member task force, which included some retired career military officers, spent three months investigating the issue. In its 18-page report, the group concluded that racial problems are serious in the armed services.
The report also listed 12 recommendations, including establishing military-base liaisons to the NAACP and requiring periodic diversity and sensitivity training for military personnel.
The study of white supremacist activities in the military was prompted by the December killing of two blacks in Fayetteville, Michael James and Jackie Burden.
James Burmeister II and Malcolm Wright Jr., the two men charged with the killings, are white Fort Bragg soldiers with ties to neo-Nazi skinheads.
NAACP officials said Fort Bragg was the only North Carolina military base where task force members did not get full cooperation. Army officials at the military base said they were conducting their own probe and expected to release the results later this month.
``We think all the evidence points to more serious problems than the Army is willing to acknowledge,'' said Alexander. ``This disturbs us. There's an extremely high level of denial.''
The perception that people are judged on merit, not race, has evaporated since the military became an all-volunteer organization, he said.
``We do not view this report as an antagonistic one,'' Alexander said, flanked by other members of the task force. ``It is a base for finding some solutions.''
Maj. Ken Fugett, public affairs officer for the 18th Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, said Friday he was aware of the NAACP report but had not received a copy of it.
On Thursday, Maj. Rivers Johnson Jr., public affairs officer for the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, told The Charlotte Observer that the Army had been a leader in providing equal opportunity.
But ``racism is a part of every aspect of American life,'' said Johnson, who is black. ``If they bring it here, they have no future in the military.''
The NAACP gathered information through community meetings in five towns that have military bases - Fayetteville, Cherry Point, Goldsboro, Elizabeth City and Jacksonville. They also met with military officials in those towns.
The Fort Bragg investigation found 22 soldiers, all white men, with ties or sympathies toward extremist groups. The NAACP said the number was too low, but Johnson was surprised it was that high.
``We are a reflection of society, but we do a better job of molding people to the Army values,'' Johnson said. ``There's no room for racism here. We have to trust each other.''
Five of the 22 soldiers have received military punishment for their conduct. Four others face civilian or military trials.
Alexander said the investigation revealed widespread frustration and mistrust among soldiers of different ethnicities.
``The essential thing we found was there was no organized activity,'' he said. ``A lot of people claim there was and a lot of people would like there to be more organized activity.''
Based on interviews with soldiers, task force members found clear examples of racism, he said.
``Race relations is something you can't go to sleep on,'' Alexander said. ``You have to constantly work at it.'' ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
Report recommends
Here are the NAACP recommendations from its report on white
supremacy in the military.
Develop uniform policies addressing participation in white
supremacist groups.
Reiterate policies prohibiting racist materials and slurs.
Prohibit Coast Guard ``membership and participation'' in
discriminatory groups.
Initiate periodic assessments of the racial climate there and in
surrounding areas.
Establish good working relationships between the base and the
community.
Designate a senior officer as NAACP liaison.
Permit ``listening sessions'' in which military personnel can
talk with the NAACP or other community leaders about race
relations.
Require military personnel to attend periodic sensitivity and
diversity training.
Seek the participation of the black community when activities
are open to the public.
Participate in community activities and heritage observances.
Also:
NAACP branches should sponsor periodic forums to discuss issues.
The North Carolina NAACP should work with base commanders to
enhance their relationship.
KEYWORDS: MILITARY BASES RACE DISCRIMINATION NAACP STUDY NORTH
CAROLINA by CNB