Challenges (Or Gaps) In the Civilian-Military Relationship

The history of the military being subject to civil power is one in which all nations may be quite proud. However, democracies with a strong and sizable army should constantly monitor the issue of the military-civilian interaction. Additionally, there are current circumstances that have given rise to fresh issues for the institutions and people on both sides of this connection. Both the civilian and military have already made statements based on the fact that they are aware of the current division. The problems associated with the military-civil gap originate at three levels: at the level of strategy nexus where the decision making process is dominated by military leaders, at the level of society where few citizens have a closer relationship with members of the army and at the level of policy enactment where members of the military are given so many roles.

Issue 1

The first trend that has had an impact on the civil military relationship is the blurring of the traditional distinction between war and peace, between non-state and state actors and between international and domestic issues. Because of the complexity of the international relationship, there has been an increase in the number of issues considered to be threats to the national security. The military has responded to the increasing global issues by taking more roles that traditionally within the civilian agencies.

How to Address the Issue

The problems associated with the military-civil relationship require fundamental reforms in the policy making system. The military should have certain distinct tasks that are specified in these policies so that they are not given tasks that civilian agencies are meant to do. Everyone should take an active role in the reform process. Standing and offering applause in the military sporting activity is not enough.

Issue 2

The second trend arises in the decision-making process. Only top leaders are responsible for formulating policies that govern the military and civilians. These leaders have failed to come up with policies that bridge the difference but have rather heightened the situation. Leaders have come up with policies that disadvantage the army making them feel they are different from civilians.

How to Address the Issue

Both military and civilians should participate in decision making process. It is important that policy makers understand those people who volunteer to serve in the military and implement policies that are friendly. Also, both the military and the civilians should have an open heart and mind regarding other people ideas and opinion. As at present, so many people are willing to accept change and resort to dialogue to bridge the gap.

Issue 3

The last challenge arises from the fact that few individuals have civilians have a closer relationship with the military. The military personnel in different ranks tend to feel that they are alienated. Veterans tend to have few close civilian friends, but in many cases, they will prefer to stick together with other veteran members because they feel that they are alienated from the rest of the society.

How to Address the Issue

It is important that academic and social interactions between civilians and the military are initiated to facilitate a swift interaction between the members of the two communities. The established initiatives will go a long way in cultivating a greater familiarity and trust between military and civilian communities. By providing an opportunity for social and intellectual interaction among the civilians and the army will cultivate the mutual understanding that will reduce the gap in future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is apparent that there exist a great rift between military and civilian. The gap is caused the blurring of the traditional distinction between war and peace, between non-state and state actors and between international and domestic issues. This issue can be addressed by undertaking various reforms in the policy making systems. The second issue is lack of involvement of all parties in the decision making. The solution to this trend is involving all parties in the decision making. Lastly, there exist poor relationship between the civilians and the military. This challenge can be handled by establishing academic and social interactions between the parties.







References

"Armed Forces Journal – The Silent Crisis." 2017. Armedforcesjournal.Com. http://www.armedforcesjournal.com/the-silent-crisis/.

"Civil-Military Relations In Post-Conflict Societies." 2017. Google Books. https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=QqUGCAAAQBAJ&pg=PA3&dq=military+and+civil+conflicts&hl=en&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=military%20and%20civil%20conflicts&f=false.

Frevert, Ute. 2004. A Nation In Barracks. Oxford: Berg.