Washington (AP) Sixty years after President Truman desegregated the military, senior black officers are still rare, particularly in the highest ranks.

Blacks make up about 17 percent of the total force, yet just nine percent of all officers.

And the higher up the ranks you climb, the fewer African-Americans you find. Only one of the 38 four-star generals or admirals serving as of May was black.

One reason is career choice. Fewer blacks are choosing combat jobs that lead to the top spots.

Another is a lack of mentors. Retired army general Johnnie Wilson is one of only 10 African-Americans who've achieved four-star rank. He says, “It's hard to tell young people the sky's the limit when they look up and don't see anyone” who looks like
them.