The Record and Prospects of the All-Volunteer Military in the United States

John Warner and Beth J. Asch

Journal of Economic Perspectives, 2001, vol. 15, issue 2, 169-192

Abstract: From the onset of World War II until July 1973, the draft was a fact of life for male youth in the United States. Since then, America's armed forces have been staffed by volunteers. Recent recruiting difficulties have precipitated calls from some quarters for a return to conscription. This paper reviews the economic issues involved in the choice over conscription versus volunteerism and it reviews the volunteer force record in the U. S. Despite recent recruiting difficulties, the case for the volunteer force is more compelling today than it was in 1973.

JEL-codes: H56 J45 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2001
Note: DOI: 10.1257/jep.15.2.169
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (44)

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