The Future of the Military Profession

Today, the US military profession faces new challenges, such as the renewal of great-power strategic competition, the impact of lengthy and costly operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the changing character of war (particularly with the advent of advanced technology, such as artificial intelligence, drone, space, and cyberspace capabilities), recurrent crises of sexual harassment and assault, the aftermath of a global pandemic and associated social and political unrest that followed, and growing societal distrust toward professions in general. These challenges represent new problems that need to be addressed and requirenew tools to help officers continue to serve as professional stewards.

The Future of the Military Profession project calls for a new research effort that will be more inclusive of the whole defense enterprise. The times are changing. As stewards of the profession, US military stakeholders should reflect on how the profession should change in kind.