Recruit the Soldier, Retain the Family": The United States Army and the Evolution of Policies Towards the Military Family
Abstract
One of the barriers for the United States Army to retaining talent is the balance of career and family. Over the years the U.S. Army has undergone significant policy changes to adapt to the cultural shifts among both the civilian and military populations. The transition to a career-oriented, all-volunteer force and the inclusion of women into the force influenced a culture shift in the perception and support of the Army family. These changes challenged the Army with maintaining the commitment and resiliency of its military families to enhance recruitment, retention, and readiness of service men and women. The purpose of this study is to examine how the U.S. Army adapted its culture, policies, and programs to the evolving military families of the gender-integrated, all-volunteer force. The following will include a summary, survey, and assessment of changes and progress from the American Revolutionary War to 2016; a description of the Army family and its influence on readiness; and discuss the initiatives and recommendations for the Army of the future. This thesis argues that the U.S. Army's adaptation of its culture, policies, and programs has not kept pace with the evolving military families of the gender-integrated, All-Volunteer-Force.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 10, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1212010
Entities
People
- Alexandra L. Teskey
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College