Examination of Demographic Differences Between the United States Population and the United States Air Force

Abstract

The relationship between the US public and its military has sometimes been characterized as a love-hate relationship. The reasons for this association are as many as they are varied, but it seems safe to assume that this cyclical relationship will continue. An underlying portion of this relationship is the support the public gives to its military in peacetime and wartime. Several contextual issues, such as integrity issues involving military personnel, casualty rates and many others can effect this support. To the end of exploring the effects of contextual issues on public support, this paper seeks to ascertain the effects of a particular contextual issue, demographics. Demographic differences between the US population of 18 to 54 years of age and the active duty United States Air Force are explored to see if there are substantial divisions in the realm of gender and race/ethnic background. Finally, analysis is accomplished on these differences and conclusions drawn to ascertain any consequences on public support of the military.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1999
Accession Number
ADA397042

Entities

People

  • Stephen P. Melroy

Organizations

  • Air Command and Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Active Duty
  • Age Groups
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Personnel
  • Casualties
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Demography
  • Federal Budgets
  • Governments
  • Human Population
  • Military Operations
  • Military Personnel
  • Military Science
  • Native Americans
  • Second World War
  • United States
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • Aviation Safety Risk Assessment.
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Naval Personnel Management