February 9, 2025: MG Oliver Dillard // Academy Admissions & Officer Diversity
Join us this week for programming in recognition of Black History Month
First we’ll hear the story of Major General Oliver W. Dillard
MG Oliver W. Dillard specialized in military intelligence in the US Army, rising from enlisted to senior officer throughout his career. He was the first Black graduate from the National War College, the fifth Black soldier to reach the rank of Brigadier General, and the first Black intelligence general officer.
His story is told by Colonel Stephen Perkins (ret.); Perkins explains Dillard’s commands from Korea, Germany, and stateside. Dillard was the first black general officer in the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence and Dillard retired in 1980, residing in Canton, MI until his passing in 2015. Perkins chats with host Jim Fausone about this remarkable military officer.
(Col. Perkins image courtesy of FORSCOM on Flickr)
We’ll also talk about military academy admissions and officer diversity
Host Jim Fausone is joined by Capt. John Cordle, and LCDR Reuben Keith Green, author of “Black Officer, White Navy“.
Both retired from the US Navy, they discuss the lack of African-American nominations to the U.S. Naval academy, the importance of officer diversity, and the need of more Black ensigns graduating from the academy to ensure that thirty years later there will be more Black Admirals represented in the service.
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