Charles C. Moskos and John Sibley Butler's pioneering study of Black leadership development and racial integration in the United States Army provides the reader with a glimpse into an institution that, while not utopian, has achieved remarkable success in race relations. That success was achieved because the U.S. Army developed policies which supported a philosophy that believed an absolute commitment to nondiscrimination and uncompromising standards of performance are absolutely necessary for achieving its goals. Indeed, the Army was able to relate nondiscrimination to goal attainment, which may be the key to solving many of the racial problems in contemporary American society.

The authors argue that: "The Army is not race-blind; it is race-savvy." An important element in their argument is that this rigidly hierarchical institution, which must exist in a liberal-democratic society with its emphasis on individualism rather than team/organizational cooperation can offer a set of principles that can be applied to the civilian sector.

The book begins with a provocative comparison between the two authors. Professor Moskos noted how he benefitted from affirmative actions in obtaining admission to Princeton University, while Professor Butler was asked by his parent to integrate Louisiana State University (LSU). Moskos is the first in his family to complete secondary school, "while...Butler is the fourth generation of his family to receive a college degree."

The central premise of the book is that "race is the prime American dilemma and has unique dynamics." Evidence of the important role race plays in America is reflected in the authors' query, "Ask yourself: Who is more likely to be considered white in our society, the offspring of a mixed Anglo-Hispanic or European-Asian union, or the offspring of a mixed White-Black marriage?"

Thus, the authors skillfully set the stage for a discussion of a major source of tension in contemporary American society and proceed to provide empirical evidence to support their contention that the Army has promoted excellence across racial lines. They conclude this remarkable study by suggesting twelve key lessons civilians can learn from the Army's experience. Indeed, they suggest that while "differences between military and civilian settings preclude exact analogies, we can articulate the key principles of the Army's experience."