The Implication of Emerging Security Threats on Civil-Military Relations

Much of what has been written about civil-military relations in the United States seems to be reactive to present and past events rather then proactive and forward looking. What needs to occur in order to gain a resolution of this problem is for a proactive assessment of where America's society and military need to balance in a future security environment. What this entails is to first survey the current model that most resembles where civil-military relations stand now. Essentially, an examination will show that the military still embraces Huntington, while in reality Janowitz's theories are proving themselves to be the more applicable and accurate of the two. Especially noteworthy is the destruction of Huntington's myth that only the military has the professional knowledge to become involved in the waging of war. Next, a comprehensive assessment of what the emerging security threats will be in the future is needed. The military will have to change many of the ways that it goes about business. The most fundamental impact on the future of civil-military relationships will be from the change in the role of the individual.