Changing U.s. Military Manpower Realities

Manpower—qualified, experienced, and in adequate supply—is considered by many to be the keystone of the U.S. capability to deter or wage war. But can the all-volunteer force (AVF) continue to attract and retain the quantity and quality of active and reserve forces required to meet the security needs of the nation? The contributors to this collection of original articles—representing the diverse views of civilian, government, and military scholars—analyze the political and sociological dimensions of the AVF and present recent research on major manpower issues, including recruitment problems, the military family, the role of women, racial problems, economic concerns, and the concept of the citizen-soldier. The authors also examine the demands and problems the AVF will face in the coming years. Contending that the AVF system is not working and will not work in its present form, they suggest —for debate, questioning, and reinterpretation—new directions for change.

Manpower—qualified, experienced, and in adequate supply—is considered by many to be the keystone of the U.S. capability to deter or wage war. But can the all-volunteer force (AVF) continue to attract and retain the quantity and quality of active and reserve forces required to meet the security needs of the nation? The contributors to this collection of original articles—representing the diverse views of civilian, government, and military scholars—analyze the political and sociological dimensions of the AVF and present recent research on major manpower issues, including recruitment problems, the military family, the role of women, racial problems, economic concerns, and the concept of the citizen-soldier. The authors also examine the demands and problems the AVF will face in the coming years. Contending that the AVF system is not working and will not work in its present form, they suggest —for debate, questioning, and reinterpretation—new directions for change.