Richard H. Kohn, ed, The United States Military Under the Constitution of the United States, 1789–1989 (New York: New York University Press, 1991)
Author: Richard H. Kohn is past president of the SMH, longtime chief historian for the USAF and professor emeritus at UNC-Chapel Hill
Central Argument: The book has only the overarching theme of describing the military’s relationship to the constitution and civilian leadership. This work develops themes and topics that have characterized the relationship between the military and government in American history.
Synopsis: This is a collection of essays each an original contribution for this volume. Divided into four sections:
Section one concentrates on the Constitution itself. Richard Morris asserts that the US Constitution is different because of its separation of powers. Kohn’s essay takes Morris a step further to argue that the framers consciously acted to check the military.
Section two describes how the US raised military forces, how it used them internally, and the roll of black Americans. Allan R. Millett traces the evolution of the citizen soldier, Jerry Cooper argues that the US has used military forces in domestic situations during many of the most important social and economic conflicts in American history. Bernard Nalty then argues military service had always been a fundamental obligation of citizenship but that did not bring full equality to black Americans.
Section three addresses military subordination to civil authority. Harold Hyman argues that in spite of strains on the constitution during the civil war period and after, the constitution held. Forrest Pogue argues that George C. Marshall was the consummate professional but always ready to advocate in a nonpartisan but forceful manner for what he thought was best for national defense. Roy K. Flint argues that MacArthur cold not abide to end his career on a note of defeat after the Chinese intervened in North Korea and so undermined American policy through public declaration.
Section Four re-emphasizes the importance of a balance of powers in American civ-mil relations. Steven L. Rearden argues that for most of American history, Congress has deferred to the President but that in a vastly altered US role following World War II it began to assert its role in civ-mil affairs. David F. Task traces the development of executive power and the role of the President in national security affairs. Arthur Link and John Whiteclay Chambers analyze Woodrow Wilson’s wartime leadership and argue that he managed a foreign war while actively administering a government that seized resources and harnessed them for war. J. Kenneth McDonald argues that the CIA represents a new dilemma that reasserts presidential power. The final essay of the book, Jonathan Lurie argues that the judicial branch has played a minimal role as military justice has been separate from the rest of the American legal system.