African-Americans have been such a key part of the modern military. ... That whole culture and value system is at risk in the black community. That is a big, big change. To me, it portends the possibility of a longer-term loss of interest. It can be tough to get it back."

- MICHAEL O'HANLON, military analyst for the liberal-leaning Brookings Institution, on Defense Department statistics showing that the number of young black enlistees has fallen by more than 58 percent since fiscal year 2000