Army Professionalism 1877-1898: Myth or Reality

Abstract

This study examines the efforts to promote professionalism in Officers during the period 1877-1898. Initially, definitions are provided and an examination of key 19th century concepts is made. Issues affecting the growth of professionalism in America are discussed, followed by evidence of the growth of institutional and individual professionalism. The conditions encountered by the bulk of the Army during this time were daunting. However, forces were dramatically altering American society. External influences and the operational environment interacted to forge conditions conductive to professionalism. Throughout this period a variety of measures were pursued which created an institutional basis for professionalism, leading to the acceptance of soldiers in society. Within the Officer Corps there were indicators of a rising interest in the profession. These efforts were evolutionary in nature. The definition of the Army's role and subsequent efforts to prepare the Officer Corps represented the pursuit of national security. It was a course which would become irreversible. Keywords: Theses; Army personnel/history; Military forces United States; Officer personnel.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1990
Accession Number
ADA227421

Entities

People

  • Gary D. Rhay

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Civil War
  • Congress
  • Doctrine
  • Geography
  • Instructors
  • Law
  • Military Education
  • Military History
  • Military Operations
  • Military Science
  • Military Training
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Students
  • United States
  • United States Military Academy
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Education

Readers

  • Economics
  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.