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

Author

Listed:
  • John T. Warner
  • Beth J. Asch
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.

Suggested Citation

  • John T. Warner & Beth J. Asch, 2001. "The Record and Prospects of the All-Volunteer Military in the United States," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 15(2), pages 169-192, Spring.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:jecper:v:15:y:2001:i:2:p:169-192
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/jep.15.2.169
    as

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    File URL: http://www.aeaweb.org/articles.php?doi=10.1257/jep.15.2.169
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J45 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Public Sector Labor Markets
    • H56 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - National Security and War

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