Skin in the Game: Poor Kids and Patriots

General Laich's book fills a gap in our understanding of the issues that surround America's all-volunteer force (AVF). He points out that the American public tends to view the military "through the lens of fear, apathy, ignorance, and guilt." As a result, this has precluded the public from looking at the AVF objectively. By considering the AVF (as well as other options) in the context of fairness, efficiency, and sustainability, the author provides an analytical framework for objective assessment.As a risk management professional interested in national security, I found this book to be very informative; but it is much more than just educational. It identifies vulnerabilities in the AVF approach that raise serious doubts as to whether the AVF can provide a long-term answer to America's future national security needs. General Laich ends the book with an alternative solution to the AVF that shows considerable strategic foresight. This book is a "must read" for every American interested in national security and our nation's future.

Gen Laich uses real data and historical factto warm policy makers of a coming crisis that will effect the ability of our military to continue to defend our nation. Sadly politics will probably not heed his warning. Since those making decisions don’t have ‘skin in the game’ time will be the cause of change rather than the logic of a military commander.

In this book, General Laich explores the viability of the all-volunteer military force (AVF), under which we have lived for the past 40 years, and asks whether it passes the tests of fairness, efficiency, and sustainability for the future. He states that most Americans now look at the military through feelings of fear, apathy, ignorance, and guilt, while 99% of us live in the “land of the free” and only 1% of us serve in the military.The history of conscription is traced through World War II, to the Vietnam war, after which it was replaced with AVF, due to political and societal factors. Four commonly suggested approaches for the future are discussed, along with a fifth approach recommended by the author.This book is well researched, presented, and I recommend it to anyone interested in national security.

Outstanding analysis that is still applicable today. A must read by those interested in National Security strategic issues.

The Vietnam era sounded the death knell for the draft and put a dent in USA's patriotism that is evident 40 years later. General Laich describes the woes that this causes for our armed services and troops. His eye opening thesis also outlines a path out of this mess. As a drafted Vietnam vet and parent of a college aged daughter, I endorse the general's cost efficient ideas, but feel that they would be next to impossible to get through today's gridlock bound government."Skin in the Game" is a detailed, well written wake up call for all of us. The statistics given for China's military might compared to our's should strike fear, and a want for action from every American.

Well written but a singular focus that spoils the book. I do not agree with the solutions presented, no matter how well documented.Some thoughts are with extreme clarity, and the all volunteer military will not always be the way to go.Readers should pay attention to the rationale presented as well as the writer's background before coming to conclusions outlined in the final chapter....and I say this as a retired military member.

MG Dennis Laich has laid out a compelling argument for re-visiting the All Volunteer Force concept, and has suggested an alternative which might help solve the growing, military-civilian cultural gap. These are important concepts for not just politicians to be aware of and to understand, but for the general public to comprehend. The current situation is unsustainable.

General Laich raises the painful realities of the all volunteer army and the challenge it raises for the nation. It is at once packed with statistics that few fully grasp, and candid in its assessment of whether the US can afford or should afford its current approach to military service.