PROFESSIONALISM IN THE ARMED FORCES
Abstract
Professionalism is a term used so frequently and in so many contexts that it is often misapplied. For this reason, this paper reintroduces the concept of military professionalism by drawing upon Samuel Huntington's original description of military professionalism and applying it against a case study of a prominent, and in some interpretations extremely effective, senior military officer: SS Kommandant Rudolph Hoss. In this analysis, a scenario develops of a disparity between personal perceptions of "acting professionally" and executing duties associated with the status conferred by membership in the military profession. The crucial aspect of military professionalism lacking in the Hoss model is the social responsibility imposed by, and in the service of, the society the military serves. A potentially problematic scenario develops with the definition of which society is referenced, the values or standards to be upheld, and the motivation of the military professional to meet those standards. This paper will demonstrate professionalism is more than the execution of violence on behalf of a sotate, acquiescence to civilian authority, and service in spite of self-interest. Military professionalism requires individual responsibility and accountability for moral agency, dedication to duty, and commitment to the greater good of the society the military serves. For the military professional, the global community of which the nation-state is a participating member informs the society's interests to be served.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 06, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1038055
Entities
People
- David B. Novy
Organizations
- Air War College