Despite
its conventions and traditions, particularly the levels of discipline and commitment involved,
the American military is very much a reflection of the society it serves. Just as that society
has evolved in a certain direction over the span of many years, so has the military, comprised
entirely of volunteers, evolved in many ways. Prior to the abolishment of the draft and its
replacement with an All-Volunteer Army in 1973, the U.S. Armed Forces functioned very much as
an antidemocratic establishment in which obedience to superiors and unquestioning commitment
were the mantra by which that organization functioned. The All-Volunteer Army, however, changed
some of the culture of the military. No longer were drill sergeants and junior officers
responsible for conscripts over whom they enjoyed total control; now, they were responsible for
the recruitment and care of volunteers no longer subject to enforced servitude in
life-threatening situations.
General Stanley...
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