Shrinking the Civil-Military Divide: A Military Perspective

Abstract

Following a decade of war, the civil-military divide in the United States continues to occupy deep discussion on military bases, in university classrooms, journalistic conference rooms, the Pentagon, and on Capitol Hill. Much of the study of the divide in the civil-military relationship focuses on civilian control of the military, and attempts to remedy this divide through civilian actions. Expanding on the focus of study heretofore and using a new paradigm employing a version of the Clausewitzian trinity represented by the military, the people, and the government the author identifies four areas of civil - military divide: The Culture Divide, the Control Divide, the Connectivity Divide, and the Knowledge Divide. The author recommends methods to improve each divide from a military perspective, with the intent of spurring further study and discussion. The ultimate aim of this essay is to foster understanding and trust to improve United States foreign policy related to security and the military instrument of power.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 13, 2015
Accession Number
ADA622147

Entities

People

  • William J. Bartolomea

Organizations

  • National Defense University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Civil War
  • Employment
  • Foreign Policy
  • Governments
  • Instructors
  • Military Education
  • Military Personnel
  • Military Science
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Political Systems
  • Students
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.
  • Strategic Security Studies