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"THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
WASHINGTON
6April 1949

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE
CHAIRMAN, PERSONNEL POLICY BOARD

Subject: Equality of Treatment and Opportunity in the Armed Services

1. a. It is the policy of the National Military Establishment that there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the Armed Services without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin. 

b. To assist in achieving uniform application of this policy, the following supplemental policies are announced: 

(1) To meet the requirements of the Services for qualified individuals, all personnel will be considered on the basis of individual merit and ability and must qualify according to the prescribed standards for enlistment, attendance at schools, promotion, assignment to specific duties, etc. 

(2) All individuals, regardless of race, will be accorded equal opportunity for appointment, advancement, professional improvement, promotion and retention in their respective components of the National Military Establishment.