Military Service

The United States, as reflected in the news media, has a long history of either requiring or requesting citizens to be participants in the military. From the Civil War, through two world wars and the Vietnam War, to the conflicts in Afghanistan and the threat of terrorism, perspectives on military service, the draft, and citizen soldiers has changed. How has military service been portrayed through the news and perceived by the public throughout the country’s history of wars and peacetimes? And how have the attitudes of American citizens changed when it comes to serving in the military? This collection of articles explores these questions and more, and also features Media Literacy Terms and Questions to further inform and guide readers.