Date of Award

9-1992

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

John A. Muller, PhD

Second Advisor

Rodney P. Rice, PhD

Abstract

Military manpower management principles and policies are in constant flux as the military forces mobilize and demobilize during periods of war and peace. This study identifies trends in U.S. military manpower policies and procedures from 1890 to 1991. Major military conflicts reviewed are the Spanish- American War, World wars I and II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War. In all wars until Vietnam, post war active duty forces were larger than prewar forces. However, these active duty forces tended to be relatively small until the Cold War period. This tendency is driven by a combination of budget constraints and a U.S. aversion to maintaining large standing military forces. Before each major military conflict since 1890, active forces were maintained at minimum levels, thereby making mobilizations difficult and time consuming. After most of these wars, demobilizations were rapid, caused turmoil in the remaining force structures and reduced military effectiveness. Generally, the United States prefers to rely on volunteerism as its primary manpower procurement tool, however, conscription was implemented when volunteerism was insufficient to meet national needs.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GLM-LSR-92S-28

DTIC Accession Number

ADA259533

Comments

The authors' Vita pages are omitted.

Presented to the Faculty of the School of Systems and Logistics

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