Throughout the history of the United States of America, from colonial times under British rule through the present, there have been threads of continuity running through the development of our nation's military. John Alger, in his essay titled "Fundamental Concepts in the Language of the Military Profession," found ten themes, or threads, which have had an impact on the evolution of the military.
All ten of Alger's threads of continuity are intertwined and affect each other. The external threads affect the daily workings and structure of the military complex. These external threads are defined as political factors, social factors, economic factors, and technology.
The political factors in operation at any point in time determine the goals and use of the military. Military leadership and civil leadership are not joined in the United States. Military leadership often precedes a career in civil government. The military is subservient to the civil authority. Political factors include the need for national security, international relations, the design and strength of the military complex, and the ability of the military complex to influence legislation regarding the above issues (Alger 5).
Social and economic factors are closely interwoven. Both of these factors influence the political factors. Society's belief structure and attitude have a direct impact on who hold political power in a republic. The education system, and mass media play an important role in shaping psychological attitudes of the population (Alger 7). Economic factors, such as the employment level, the prevailing wage, the costs of goods and services, the impact of blockade actions, and the type of economy affect the political situation and impact on warfare (Alger 7).
The availability of advanced technology to a country affects the political, social, and economic components of a country. Technology is the use of knowledge to create or i...