The Professional Soldier: A Social and Political Portrait (1960, 1971) By Morris Janowitz
 
Morris Janowitz’ The Professional Soldier is an 50+ year old sociological study of military elites (general and flag officers) and the officers currently serving who will replace them. Janowitz’ purpose is to describe the professional, organizational and leadership evolution of the United States military in the first half of the 20th century. Janowitz suggests that treating the military “as an object of social inquiry” will enable a better understanding of the military’s position of power in society, politics and international relations.

Janowitz, a WWII veteran and University of Michigan sociology professor, uses historical, documentary, biographical and autobiographical to underpin his findings. The centerpiece of The Professional Soldier is an extensive background survey of 760 flag and general officers, a questionnaire given to 576 active duty officers, and interviews of 113 officers serving in staff positions in the military services, the Department of Defense, and the Joint Staff. The book is divided into eight sections. Sections one through five present Janowitz’ hypotheses, findings on service organizations, officer career patterns, the military community and ideology. Sections six and seven deal with political behavior and practice. Janowitz concludes with a recommendation for an organizational construct that can meet the full range of military operations the nation requires: nuclear deterrence, conventional and irregular warfare, support to civil authorities and other political-military missions.
 
Hard Cover
464 pages
In Good Condition