University of Virginia Library

Draft Study

I am preparing an individual
study on the emerging generation
and the challenge it presents to
military leadership.

There are many indications that
the 18-25 year old men of today
are significantly more intellectual,
more critical of the assumptions
and assertions underlying
established institutions and
radically more intolerant of
hypocrisy than previous
generations. Manifestations in these
pursuits are, however, sometimes
puzzling. A long standing principle
of military leadership is "know
your men." This has proven to be
more difficult of late.

Vietnam or no Vietnam,
apparent world tensions are likely
to require a military draft for the
next several years. With this and
current youth's desire to
"participate in the decision making
process," I would sincerely
appreciate your thoughts on the
leadership technique and practices
that you believe would be most
appropriate and responsive to the
unusually talented young men of
today. Comments from faculty and
administration personnel are
welcome but I particularly solicit
the views of the students of the
University of Virginia.