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 Nichiporuk's "competitively multipolar" world, this study offers analysis on what mix of volunteer recruiting, contractor use, and conscription, is right for America against the RAND study's near-future threats.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)