Rise of the Military Welfare State

Discover the intricate evolution of military support in "Rise of the Military Welfare State" by Jennifer Mittelstadt. Published by Harvard University Press in 2015, this insightful hardback delves into how, after the Vietnam War, the United States Army introduced an extensive safety net for its all-volunteer force. Mittelstadt reveals the remarkable expansion of medical and dental care, education, child care, financial counseling, housing assistance, and legal services for military personnel and their families—programs that emerged precisely when civilian support systems were being curtailed. With 344 pages of thorough analysis, this book is essential for anyone interested in the nuances of military life, the sociology of armed forces, and the implications of welfare in modern America. Gain a deeper understanding of the remarkable transformation within military support systems and their impact on soldiers and their families by exploring Mittelstadt's compelling narrative.