People, Passion, and Armies: Historical Recruitment Methods and Their Application

Throughout history, states have used different recruitment methods to raise armies. Some of those methods have been successful and some have failed disastrously. This study examines four historical cases to explore underlying patterns that help explain what makes different means of recruitment effective, focusing on the key social factors that are pertinent to raising an army. Using the backdrop of RAND researcher Brian Nichiporuks competitively multipolar world, this study offers analysis on what mix of volunteer recruiting, contractor use, and conscription, is right for America against the RAND studys near-future threats.