“Thanks For Your Service” is a common expression of gratitude towards military personnel. But what are the underlying factors driving public confidence in the U.S. military? A new book by Duke University professor Peter Feaver, “Thanks for Your Service: The Causes and Consequences of Public Confidence in the U.S. Military,” explores this complex issue. Based on new national surveys, Feaver’s research reveals that while public confidence in the military remains high, it’s also fragile and potentially misleading.
Deconstructing Public Support: Six Key Factors
Feaver’s research identifies six primary factors influencing public confidence in the military:
- Patriotism: National pride, especially during wartime, significantly boosts support.
- Performance: The perceived effectiveness of the military in fulfilling its missions is crucial.
- Professional Ethics: Ethical conduct and behavior within the military are essential for maintaining trust.
- Political Affiliation: Political views significantly impact confidence levels, with Republicans historically demonstrating higher levels of support than Democrats.
- Personal Connection: Individuals with personal ties to the military, such as veterans or family members of service members, tend to exhibit greater confidence.
- Public Pressure: Societal expectations and perceived pressure to support the military can influence individual opinions.
These pillars of support, however, are showing signs of weakening. Feaver notes a concerning trend mirroring his findings from over two decades ago, suggesting a potential decline in public confidence.
High but Hollow: The Fragility of Support
While overall confidence remains high, Feaver argues that it’s “hollow.” This is primarily due to significant partisan divisions. Recent declines in confidence are largely attributed to shifts within the Republican party, potentially influenced by figures like former President Trump and certain media personalities who have criticized military leadership.
Furthermore, societal pressure to express support for the military can inflate true confidence levels. Individuals may voice support due to perceived expectations rather than genuine conviction, leading to a superficial and potentially unstable foundation of public trust.
The Impact of Declining Confidence
Erosion of public trust can have tangible consequences. It can hinder military recruitment efforts and potentially impact the allocation of resources necessary for national defense. As fewer individuals have personal connections to the military, maintaining high levels of support becomes increasingly challenging.
Furthermore, declining confidence in the military coincides with a broader decline in trust in civilian institutions. This broader trend poses a significant challenge to American democracy and cannot be addressed simply by diminishing the military’s standing. Instead, fostering civic engagement and strengthening democratic institutions is crucial.
Building Sustainable Support: A Call for Change
Feaver advocates for a more nuanced understanding of military support, urging the public to move beyond partisan biases and recognize the importance of a non-politicized military. He suggests the military focus on demonstrating its worthiness through accountability and a commitment to excellence, rather than relying on self-promotion.
He also recommends promoting a broader concept of national service that encompasses various contributions to the public good, not just military service. Finally, avoiding divisive cultural issues and fostering a climate of respect for the military’s role in a democratic society are crucial for building sustainable public confidence. Saying “thanks for your service” is important, but true support requires understanding and addressing the complex factors that shape public opinion.
