Prussia and the Evolution of the Reserve Army: A Forgotten Lesson of History

摘要

The U.S. Army has long had an interest in European military power. From the veryfounding of the Republic, American leaders have looked to Europe for the perfect model from which to create our own military institutions. The author describes how the German state of Prussia created the foundations of its military power by a deliberate shift away from a professional army to a popular army, one that demanded the substantial use of reserve and militia forces. The reserve army thus created not only substantial military mig an economic cost, but it ensured adequate readiness and popular support as well. The author examines both the good and bad aspects of the Prussian reserve system, and their relevance to the United States Army today.