MILITARY UNIONIZATION: THE CENTRAL ISSUES

Much of the debate on unionization of the armed forces has ignored the central issue: How does a free society use military power and force in defense of its freedom and in support of its policies? Because military forces cannot by definition be democratic, Command has the increased responsibility to be concerned with and care for the welfare of people in uniform, Overcentralization and growing civilianization of the armed forces have eroded the responsibilities, prerogatives and integrity of Command, all of which is reflected in the pressure for unionization.