Leadership Opportunity Experiences among African American Female Veteran Officers in the US Army: A Qualitative Case Study

This qualitative case study explores how African American female veteran officers in the United States Army experienced leadership opportunities and positions of Captain or above. Participants shared their perceptions through interviews and open-ended questions. The general research question was: How did African Americans female veteran officers experience leadership opportunities in the US Army? Seven themes emerged from the interviews: 1) Definition of leadership opportunities, 2) Encouragement for competing, 3) Exceed expectations, 4) Overcoming leadership obstacles, 5) Gender and race, 6) Impact of networking and mentoring, and 7) Respecting African American women as leaders. The eight African American female veteran officers were interviewed in one-on-one Skype interviews. Using the qualitative case study approach provided individual experiences more in-depth and detailedly. Participants shared their opinions and experiences, noting that African American female officers have opportunities. However, opportunities are limited due to a lack of mentoring, networking, and senior leadership perceptions that African Americans may not be qualified to move into many leadership positions. Data drawn demonstrate mentors are essential in opportunities for African American females seeking opportunities into senior-level positions in the US Army. The conceptual framework was the Leader-Member Exchange Theory.