The Soldier in Modern Society

The book "The British Army Today" was published in 1972 and examines the role of the British Army in modern British society and the place of soldiering as a significant career. It was written during a Defense Fellowship at Edinburgh University in 1968-9 and was highly recommended to all with an interest in the security of the country and the future of its armed forces.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 04 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

During the few years leading up to its publication, there was a growing interest in not only the organization and efficiency of the British Army but also in its role in modern British society and the place of soldiering as a significant career. The time was therefore ripe for a book that would provide an objective assessment of the position of the Army while simultaneously showcasing the actual experiences of a Regular soldier.

Originally published in 1972, Colonel Bayness' book was largely written during a year-long Defence Fellowship at Edinburgh University in 1968-9, where he worked under Professor John Erickson in the Higher Defence Studies sections of the Department of Politics. He begins by examining the various ways in which armies can be used and then turns to more specific issues related to the employment of the British Army in the modern world. He summarizes what the British Army has accomplished since 1945 and how its strength has varied, and follows with a chapter on the cost of maintaining it.

The core of the book revolves around three fundamental questions. First, what does British society really think about its Army in the 1970s, and what sort of army does it want? Second, how can soldiers be kept keen and efficient in a period of prolonged peace? And third, who will join the Army in the coming years, what will their conditions of service be like, and what are their career opportunities?

Some of Colonel Bayness' solutions to these problems are likely to be unpopular with traditionalists, although he is by no means an iconoclast and has a deep affection for, and belief in, his own profession.

At the time this book was strongly recommended to all with an interest in the security of this country and the future of its armed forces: both those serving in them and civilians.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367612085