Civilian Control and the American Military: Myths and Realities.
Abstract
This thesis examines civilian control of the American military. It shows that a phobia about losing civilian control of the military establishment has been caused by the misinterpretation of two historical experiences, namely: the American experience of civilian-military relations; and, the German experience of militarism during the First and Second World Wars. A description of the United States National Military Establishment of the twentieth century is included. Discussion of the American experience covers the early Constitutional balance, informal elements and cultural characteristics of the American military, and certain particularly difficult periods during U.S. history. Analysis of the German system shows how the German military was as much subverted from external forces shows how the German military was as much subverted from external forces as it was itself subversive. The conclusion made is that the nature of the American military is such that excessive fear of military misuse of power is unwarranted, and that military reform should be based on this concept. Keywords: Military Reform, National Military Establishment, Joint Chiefs of Staff, German General Staff, Department of Defense, Theses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA188857
Entities
People
- Joseph B. Hamilton
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School