The Pros And Cons Of Joining The Military

After World War I, the American military adapted doctrine to focus on newer technology like airplanes and move away from obsolete tactics such as cavalry charges. After the Vietnam War, the military focused on transitioning to an all-volunteer force and rebuilding the Profession of Arms. As the current conflicts wind down, the military must now take time to assess weaknesses like the deterioration of the civil-military relationship. This deterioration is exemplified by a growing disconnect between the American people and its service members, a lack of constructive civilian involvement in the decisions to go to war, and a lack of accountability of the military. The implementation of the all-volunteer force created gaps between service members and civilians. Members often join the military because they have experience or contact with a current or former military member. This has compounded over generations, effectively creating a military society separate from the public. Without direct exposure to the military, civilians

Past wars have required either public approval by way of a national draft or a shared sacrifice or hardship for the entire nation. With an all-volunteer force, only a small percentage of the population bears, albeit willingly, the risks and dangers of conducting a war. It is not so much that the public is more willing to go to war, but that going to war has no immediate impact on day-to-day activities so the public does not actively question or protest America’s involvement. Without pressure from the public, Congress is less likely to focus their attention and time on military decisions. To bridge this gap, the military must expand their recruiting, educate the public on military matters, and appeal to non-traditional