The Golden Thirteen Officers Training

In January 1944, sixteen Black enlisted men were selected to train as officers in the US Navy at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center. The training was shortened to eight weeks instead of the usual sixteen, with an expected 25% attrition rate.

The Navy's condensed training program for the sixteen Black candidates was intended to create an environment where they would fail. This assumption stemmed from prevalent prejudice that African Americans could not excel as officers.

Despite facing immense obstacles, the sixteen Black men diligently studied together, using their combined knowledge to overcome the demanding training. This collaborative spirit helped them overcome the challenges posed by the condensed training.

After successfully completing the training program and achieving outstanding scores on exams, the Navy initially planned to only commission twelve of the sixteen men as officers. This suggests a persistent bias and a reluctance to fully embrace Black officers.

Despite the initial resistance and the attempt to impede their progress, the sixteen Black sailors demonstrated their resilience and capability by achieving success in the training program. They shattered stereotypes and paved the way for future generations of Black officers in the US Navy.

In January 1944, the US Navy selected 16 Black enlisted men for officer training. This groundbreaking decision challenged the deeply rooted prejudice that African Americans were unfit for leadership roles.

The Navy's condensed training program for the 16 Black candidates was designed to make them fail. This strategy mirrored the prevailing belief that African Americans were incapable of excelling as officers.

Despite facing immense obstacles, the 16 Black men studied together, using their combined knowledge to overcome the demanding training. Their collaborative spirit helped them succeed against the odds.

The 16 Black sailors overcame initial resistance, defying expectations and demonstrating their capability by achieving success in the training program. They shattered stereotypes and paved the way for future generations of Black officers in the US Navy.

Even though they passed the demanding training program, the Navy originally planned to commission only 12 out of the 16 men as officers, highlighting the existing prejudices.

The Navy conducted the training program with a 25% attrition rate expectation, revealing the Navy's belief that many Black candidates would fail the rigorous training.

After scoring so high on their exams, the Navy suspected cheating. They were forced to retake the exams, but they scored even higher, achieving the highest average of any class in Navy history at that time.

The men studied tirelessly, often past lights out, to help each other excel in their training. Their dedication and collaborative spirit contributed significantly to their collective success.