U.S. Military Showing Strains After Almost 10 Years Of War

DUKE ADDRESS - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates speaks to ROTC cadets from Duke University, University of North Carolina, North Carolina State University and North Carolina Central University at Duke University in Durham, N.C., Sept. 29, 2010. DOD photo by Cherie Cullen

Risk of Gap Between U.S. Military and Society: Gates -- Defense News

DURHAM, North Carolina - Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned on Sept. 29 that the all-volunteer U.S. military could become alienated from the rest of society, with recruits and bases concentrated in more rural, conservative areas.

Gates said most Americans were untouched by the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan and few had relatives or friends in the armed forces, as less than one percent of the population was serving in uniform.

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More News On Sec. of Def. Gates Comments On Today's U.S. Military

Lecture at Duke University (All-Volunteer Force): As Delivered by Secretary of Defense Robert
M. Gates, Durham, North Carolina, Wednesday, September 29, 2010 -- US Department of Defense

Gates says too few in US bear the burdens of war -- AP
Gates Fears Wider Gap Between Country and Military -- New York Times
Risk of gap between US military and society: Gates -- AFP
Gates Praises Service, Sacrifice of All-Volunteer Force -- US Department of Defense
Military faces strains after decade of war: Gates -- Reuters
Gates (Delicately) Criticizes the All-Volunteer Military -- The Danger Room
Gates urges students to serve in military -- Fay Observer
Gates calls on students to serve, to 'take a risk' -- Washington Post