Abstract
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>The American military’s All-Volunteer Force, which recently celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, is unique within American history. It deviates from popular conceptions of the military driven by mass mobilization during World War II—and from the conscription system that led directly to its birth. The move to end conscription was controversial, and it was unclear whether a force composed solely of volunteers could meet the nation’s security needs. The initial years were turbulent, yet the military grew larger, more generously resourced, and more martially capable than it had ever been absent an active major conflict. This period of transformation culminated in its battlefield dominance during the 1991 Gulf War. But that victory would be followed by a decade of peacekeeping and minor conflicts, followed by two decades that saw the AVF shoulder the burden of fighting both in Iraq and in Afghanistan. So, what is the future of America’s AVF? The motivation for addressing this question extends beyond its recent anniversary. Over the last twenty years observers have questioned the nature of the American military and its relationship to both political leaders and the broader society. This disconnect has been tied to challenges facing the AVF and, by extension, American democratic health. While there are benefits to the current system, structural flaws warrant interrogation. This book seeks to move the conversation past stereotypes and platitudes of support. Informed engagement with the military is essential for ensuring both the competence of the force and continued support for it among the American people.</jats:p>