Creating Senior Military Advisors
Abstract
Civilian policymakers at the highest levels of government have professional military advisors. Regardless of their other qualifications, these advisors must have an expertise in the fundamental military function, "the management of violence." Other qualifications they require include an ability to think, speak, write, and decide; to have a flexible mind, alert to change, and a broad knowledge of economics and politics. Many of these qualifications are gained through a lifetime of education, predating commissioning. Service assignments, military experience, civil schooling and military schooling all provide additional qualifications to the officer and polish some of the qualifications he already possesses. Preparation for an assignment as top level advisor involves education, training and experience. Military schools and colleges not only prepare officers for military jobs but also provide them with military expertise essential to an advisor. It is mandatory that the demands for formal education not detract from the requirement for practical military experience. For this reason, it is recommended that officers not attend civilian graduate school until they have some military experience as an officer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 18, 1966
- Accession Number
- ADA522379
Entities
People
- Lawrence M. Jones Jr.
Organizations
- United States Army War College