Freedom to Serve: The Legacy of Executive Order 9981

In June of 1941, President Roosevelt issued Executive Order 8802, banning discriminatory employment practices by federal agencies and all unions and companies engaged in war-related work. The order also established the Fair Employment Practices Commission to enforce the new policy.

On 8 July 1944 the War Department issued a directive informing commanders that recreational facilities, like post exchanges and theaters must be opened to all soldiers regardless of race. Furthermore, all government transportation must be made available to all troops regardless of race and local customs.

After World War II and before the issuance of E.O. 9981, the Air Force followed the Army’s policy garnered from WD Circular 124, 27 April 1946. Circular 124 was intended to be a forward-thinking racial policy that moved towards the utilization of black troops on a "broader professional scale".

Air Force Letter 35-3, 11 May 1949 was the first official policy issued announcing the integration plan of the Air Force. This policy echoed E.O. 9981's tone and intention, stating: there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the Air Force without regard to race, color, religion or national origin.

Air Force Regulation 35-38, 14 September 1950 was the first regulation issued regarding equal and fair treatment for all persons in the Air Force regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin. It further enforced the policies of AFL 35-3.

AFR 35-38, 15 September 1955 was the next issuance of this regulation. It changed it's name to "Air Force Personnel Policy Regarding Minority Groups" and instructed commanders to carry out Air Force policies for fair and equal treatment for all personnel.

AFR 40-703 contains information needed by all supervisors of civilian employees. It explains the processing of complaints alleging discrimination because of race, color, religion, or national origin. It applies to employees, former employees, and applicants for employment except non-U.S. citizens employed outside the 50 States and the District of Columbia.

AFR 40-713 implemented Executive Order 11246, Equal Employment Opportunity, dated 24 September 1965. It gives information needed by commanders, civilian personnel officers, deputy employment policy officers, and supervisors of appropriated fund civilian employees. It explains local action requirements and the processing of complaints alleging discrimination because of race, color, religion, or national origin. This regulation applies to all appropriated fund employees, former employees, or applicants, wherever located-whether in or out of competitive service-except aliens employed outside the U.S.

This issuance of AFR 35-78 prescribes Air Force policies regarding equal opportunity and treatment for military personnel and their dependents and contains guidance to commanders in implementing these policies both on and off-base. This regulation began to address the discrimination issues some airmen faced off-base.

This issuance of AFR 35-78 continues to direct Air Force policies regarding equal opportunity and treatment for military personnel and their dependents and contains guidance to commanders in implementing these policies both on and off-base. This regulation address further the discrimination issues some airmen faced off-base and how commanders should respond to such issues.