The US military : a basic introduction / Judith Hicks Stiehm.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Stiehm, Judith.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

United States--Armed Forces.

United States.

Armed Forces.

United States--Military policy.

Military policy.

Physical Description:

pages ; cm

Place of Publication:

New York : Routledge, [2012]

Summary:

Written in plain language, this compact overview provides basic information on the US military for a readership including students of political science, defense studies, peace and conflict studies, and the US military, as well as journalists, diplomats, and staff of NGOs. The book will prepare the reader for discussions on the proper nature and use of national militaries, especially the US military. Attempting to remain neutral, the material raises many questions but does not answer most of them. The first chapter describes the services and their missions, describes military culture, and reviews the constitutional basis for the military. The rest of the book covers strategy and doctrine, the military in action, weapons and capabilities, and the budget. A section of resources lists research organizations, websites, periodicals, books recommended by each of the armed services for their professionals, and fictional films. B&w photos of military equipment and weapons support the text. Stiehm teaches political science at Florida International University. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Contents:

The A, B, Cs

The services and their missions

Regular, Reserve, National Guard forces

Demographics

Customs and courtesies

Lifestyle and culture

Legal bases

Rank

Uniforms

Command structures

Military specialties

Compensation and benefits

Strategy and doctrine

National security strategy: diplomacy, economic measures, force

National military strategy: the threat v capabilities

Service doctrines, service manuals

The military in action

Recruitment, training, education

Planning and research

Intelligence

Diplomacy

Military to military contacts

Training and advising around the globe

Uses of the military: humanitarian aid, intervention, surveillance and more

Conducting war

Weapons and capabilities

Nuclear weapons: air and space, on and under the sea, on land

Primary weapons by service

Capabilities

Force protection

The budget

Procedures and allocations

Contracting and outsourcing

Military sales

The black budget

Policy questions for citizens

The national interest

Sovereignty

Duty to protect

Risk

International law and ethical requirements (includes torture, civilian casualties)

Conscription/representativeness

Service by women, gays and lesbians, non-citizens

Role of retirees.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780415782142

0415782147

9780415782159

0415782155

9780203128008

0203128001

OCLC:

651914415