Outsourcing of War in the Western Roman Empire (285 to 476 A.D.) and Applicability to Current U.S. Military in Afghanistan

Abstract

This thesis examines military outsourcing effects on U.S. policy, and what is driving this strategy. A relevant historical parallel exists between America's situation and that of ancient Rome. The Western Roman Empire's (285 to 476 A.D.) use of outsourcing to supplement its military, in conjunction with the factors that forced the necessity of outsourcing, exacerbated the reasons behind Rome's eventual downfall. The Empire's vast size and the population's increased disconnect with the military resulted in the use of non-citizens. This created challenges for Rome that it ultimately would not be able to overcome. The U.S. should examine the mistakes made in the Roman Empire and avoid taking a similar path.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 15, 2018
Accession Number
AD1084598

Entities

People

  • Eric L. Suits

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Afghanistan Conflict
  • Business Administration
  • Civil War
  • Employment
  • Geography
  • Governments
  • Law
  • Management Personnel
  • Military Operations
  • Military Science
  • National Politics
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • Private Military Companies
  • Treaties
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.