6. The All-Volunteer Force: Thirty Years of Service, USD (AT&L), February 2003-December 2004
Throughout most of the twentieth century, American military personnel were drafted into service. A conscripted force served the nation in both world wars, Korea, and Vietnam. But in the late 1960s, the draft came under intense scrutiny. After much debate within the Administration and Congress over the feasibility and affordability of a volunteer military, the draft was abolished, and on July 1, 1973, the All-Volunteer Force (AVF) was born. It was perhaps the most important transformation of the U.S. military in the past century.
Over three decades, the armed services have evolved into a skilled and experienced force-one that has defended America's interests well and is preparing to meet the challenges of the future. While we celebrate its success, we cannot take the All-Volunteer Force for granted. The concept of a voluntary military is still challenged today, despite its accomplishments. It is therefore essential for the Department's policies and practices to evolve in a way that will ensure this exemplary force can be sustained.
Editors Barbara Bicksler (Strategic Analysis), Curtis Gilroy, and John Warner have presented the proceedings of a high-level conference commemorating the thirtieth anniversary of the AVF. Their book begins with reflections from several of the Gates Commission members on the beginnings of the AVF and its many successes over the years. The balance of the volume is devoted to the challenges the Department of Defense will face in sustaining the AVF in the future. Topics addressed include future recruiting and retention, Reserve component contributions, and transformation in military manpower and personnel policy. The All-Volunteer Force is a vital resource for defense professionals, journalists, politicians, and all citizens concerned about future U.S. defense policy.
