The All-Volunteer Force Contribution to the Civil-Military Gap and the Rise of an American Military Caste
Abstract
As public sentiment for the military eclipses the trust in public institutions, the military influence grows, and the foundational principles of republican government erode or are replaced with mounting militarism. The all-volunteer force is an effective instrument in raising the capability and professionalism of the military but comes with a cost. This cost is the disunion between military service and society. A gap has developed and continues to grow between the society and the military that has reached a point where decisions to use military force no longer generate public discourse or dissent. Instead, the military is facing rising popularity that transcends adoration and manifests itself in key policy decisions through increased deference to military points of view. This is highly evident in the administration of President Donald Trump and the formation of his cabinet. Increased reliance on military power when coupled with adoration of society and deference from the civil authority that is supposed to exercise control, indicates rising militarism in the United States. This military caste is a threat to republican government.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 26, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1177417
Entities
People
- Josef H. Wiese
Organizations
- Marine Corps University