"Judith Stiehm's book is masterly. It is based on decades of working within the military system, yet somehow speaks cogently and clearly to general audiences. At a time when war is more complex than ever, yet fewer Americans come into contact with the armed forces than at any other time in our modern history as a nation, the timing for this great read could not be better either." - Michael O'Hanlon, Brookings Institute, Washington DC
"Many of us know more about the lingo, actors, strategies of our favorite football team than we do about those of our country's military. Judith Stiehm has given us here a straightforward, demystifying guide to the US military. Reading it will enable us to be more effective citizens." - Cynthia Enloe, Clark University
"Judith Stiehm offers readers a primer on the U.S. military, which explores various dimensions of the armed services, describes the tools of war (and peace), and poses fundamental questions on the U.S. military and society." - Derek Reveron, US Naval War College
"The military is central to America's global role but very few Americans have first or even second-hand knowledge about military matters. This book bridges that gap better than any I have seen. It is a classic primer, covering the basics and providing a guided tour that will benefit any and every citizen. Stiehm has great command of her material and conveys it in a remarkably readable and informative fashion." -Peter Feaver, Duke University
"Anyone interested in learning about the US military and its customs, structure, and capabilities should read this book. Doing so will give the reader the ability to participate in a meaningful way in debates about the proper role of the armed forces in our society. A must read for scholars, policymakers, students, and citizens." - Lawrence J. Korb, Center for American Progress
"Stiehm brings the kind of clarity to the U.S. military that is invaluable to students and scholars who study the military, to journalists who cover military matters from Coronado to Kandahar, and to every citizen who seeks to understand what a yearly budget of over $500 billion buys." - Carol Burke, University of California, Irvine