Army Civilians—Professionals by Any Definition

摘要

GEORGE WASHINGTON FORMED a Continental Army of ordinary civilians who were willing to do whatever was necessary to make the country free. Since the Army transitioned from a conscript to a professional volunteer force, Army civilians have assumed increased levels of responsibility and greater authority. Civilians have been held to higher standards of accountability at commands, headquarters, installations, and in other organizations. By early 2010, some 300,000-plus Army civilians were serving in more than 540 occupational fields spanning 31 career programs. Of that number, 23,000 have deployed to the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.~1