The Future of the Army Profession

Four years ago recognized scholars of the military, both in uniform and in civilian institutions, believed that during the drawdown of the 1990s the Army had become much too bureaucratic, losing much of its essential and historic character as a vocational profession. Together they produced the highly-acclaimed first edition of The Future of the Army Profession, whose editors summarized the project with the words given to field researchers by a frustrated Army Major:

“How can I be a professional, if there is no profession?”

Now, after extended operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, new research from a similar group of scholars shows that many aspects of profession have been restored, especially in the field Army. But can the strategic leaders of the Army now capture and maintain that professionalism while simultaneously fighting a war and transforming the Army? On this question, the most informed perspectives available are contained in the seven parts of this 2d edition and they argue that the Army’s leaders must do so if they are to be successful in either endeavor. Organized around the profession’s expert knowledge, this text is designed for the development of military professionals at all levels, as well as for civilian courses in national security and military affairs.

The Future of the Army Profession is listed in: The U.S. Army Chief of Staff’s Professional Reading List published by the U.S. Army Center for Military History, http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg

Dr. Don M. Snider is Professor of Political Science, teaching seminars in military innovation/adaptation and civil-military relations in the Department of Social Sciences at West Point. He has been a member of the civilian faculty of the U.S. Military Academy since 1998, having previously held the Olin Chair in National Security Studies, 1995-1998. Earlier, he completed a military career which included three combat tours in the Republic of Vietnam and, much later, service on the staff of the National Security Council, The White House. He retired from the Office of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, in 1990. Dr. Snider’s current research and publications focus on military culture and ethics, the gap between the military and American society, officership, and U.S. security policy towards Europe.