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Postmodernism and the Source of Military Strength in the Anglo West

Land Personnel Concepts and Policy 2, National Defence Headquarters, 101 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada,K1A 0K2bondy.hj{at}forces.gc.ca

Believing that cultural change must be rapid and thorough, many analysts are calling for a revolution in military culture as a necessary condition for a broader revolution in military affairs. This article argues for cultural reform in Anglo-Western armies, although much applies to other nations and other branches of service. Army transformation must draw upon the source of military strength in the cultural heritage of the host society. In the Anglo West, social capital, societal discipline, modern bureaucracy, and professionalism provide the foundation for military cohesion, discipline, efficiency, innovation, and legitimacy. Modern armies require postmodern reinvention to correct for misapplied modernism that has led to personnel turbulence, careerism, and factionalism. Although the source of economies of scale, modern bureaucracy can also undermine social stability and inhibit adaptability. Stages of psychological maturation parallel the stages of professional awareness required for balance among army stakeholders. The article concludes by suggesting a new force structure, personnel strategy, and governance system that emphasizes stability, local reputation, productive bureaucracy, professional streaming, and legitimacy for the military social contract.

Armed Forces & Society, Vol. 31, No. 1, 31-61 (2004)
DOI: 10.1177/0095327X0403100103


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