America Goes to War: Managing the Force During Times of Stress and Uncertainty

Abstract

Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. This product is part of the RAND Corporation monograph series.RAND monographs present major research findings that address the challenges facing the public and private sectors. All RAND monographs undergo rigorous peer review to ensure high standards for research quality and objectivity. America Goes to WarManaging the Force During Times of Stress and UncertaintyThe RAND Corporation is a nonprofit research organization providing objective analysis and effective solutions that address the challenges facing the public and private sectors around the world. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.R ® is a registered trademark.

U.S. Experience with the Draft: Learning the Wrong Lessons

“…7 A study by sociologist James Burk found that during the Vietnam conflict less than a majority of people believed the draft was fair. 8 Despite criticism and political pressure that ended the draft in 1973, proponents for reinstatement quickly emerged. As former Secretary of the Army Louis Caldera stated, the "draft is more about nostalgia for a time when military service was perceived 2 to be a near universal and often beneficial rite of passage for young men in our country than it is about keeping our military at full strength."…”

Contradictory and Complementary Identities of U.S. Army Reservists: A Historical Perspective

“…(Much of the following summary can be found in Rostker.) 29 In 1917, the Selective Service Act of 1917 was passed, again requiring men to register for compulsory military service. As can be seen from the preceding, the United States has had a long history of compulsory military service, and its continuance after World War II combined with the "extensive reserve component helped keep alive the citizen-soldier concept which has strong roots in the American scene."…”