Bridging the Civil-Military Divide : The Role of the Media

In July 1997, Thomas E. Ricks wrote an article for the Atlantic that detailed the widening gap between the U.S. military and the American public. After following a platoon of Marine recruits through basic training and their post-graduation leave, he found that many of them felt alienated from their families and their friends - indeed, the very society they had sworn to defend. Almost twenty years later, in January 2015, James Fallows penned a similar piece for the Atlantic, describing America as a "chickenhawk nation" - one "that is willing to do anything for its military except take it seriously." While this civil-military divide is not unique to the post-9/11 generation, nearly 14 years of war have certainly exacerbated it. But bridging the chasm between American service members, politicians, and citizens is not just a job for those in Washington. New America, the Yale Alumni Journalism Association, and Yale Veterans are pleased to welcome Adrian Bonenberger, a journalist and U.S. Army veteran; Thomas E. Ricks, New America's senior advisor on national security and the man behind Foreign Policy's "Best Defense" blog; and Kayla Williams, an author and U.S. Army veteran for a discussion on this cultural divide and the role the media can play in bridging this gap now and during future conflicts. Featuring Adrian Bonenberger, Freelance Journalist, Former U.S. Army Infantry Officer; Thomas E. Ricks, Senior Advisor on National Security, International Security Program, New America, Writer, "Best Defense," Foreign Policy, Author, The Generals: American Military Command from World War II to Today; Kayla Williams, Author, Love My Rifle More Than You: Young and Female in the U.S. Army, Former U.S. Army Sergeant; Catherine Cheney, Editor, Special Projects, NationSwell, Member, Yale Alumni Journalism Association.