Beginning in 1943, US Army leaders such as John M. Palmer, Walter L. Weible, George C. Marshall, and John J. McCloy mounted a sustained and vigorous campaign to establish a system of universal military training (UMT) in America. Fearful of repeating the rapid demobilization and severe budget cuts that had accompanied peace following World War I, these leaders saw UMT as the basis for their postwar plans. As a result, they promoted UMT extensively and aggressively. In Every Citizen a Soldier: The Campaign for Universal Military Training after World War II, William A. Taylor illustrates how army.

A grave decision -- The spirit of 1920 -- The basis for all plans -- Target no. 1: USA -- Preaching the gospel -- A pig in a poke -- A matter of broad policy -- The Fort Knox experiment -- A program for national security -- The normal way of life -- A shock throughout the civilized world -- The paradox of preparedness -- Appendix A. Key personalities -- Appendix B. Timeline.