To Raise and Discipline an Army

Main Themes and Topics

To Raise and Discipline an Army by Joshua Kastenberg delves into the pivotal role of the Judge Advocate General's Office during a transformative period in U.S. military history, specifically between the years 1914 and 1922. At the heart of Kastenberg's narrative is Major General Enoch Crowder, who served as the Judge Advocate General of the United States Army, and his critical efforts to expand and legitimize the office. Kastenberg highlights Crowder's success in increasing the number of uniformed attorneys from a mere thirteen to over four hundred, recruiting top legal minds to strengthen the military's legal operations.

Central to the book are the changes the Judge Advocate General's Office brought to the legal landscape during and after World War I. Kastenberg provides detailed insights into the creation and enforcement of key legislative measures such as the Selective Service Act, which instituted the draft, and how the office navigated the complex demands of wartime legal policies. The book also explores the office's influence on civil-military relations, its role in shaping the laws of war, and its impact on broader legal precedents in the United States.

Writing Style and Tone

Joshua Kastenberg's writing in To Raise and Discipline an Army is meticulous and well-researched, reflecting his background as a legal scholar. His narrative style is informative, yet accessible, making the complex subject matter comprehensible to a wide audience, including scholars, students, and general readers interested in U.S. history, military, legal, and political studies. Kastenberg effectively combines scholarly analysis with engaging storytelling, blending historical facts with deeper explorations of legal and military implications.

Brief Summary

To Raise and Discipline an Army provides a comprehensive history of the Judge Advocate General's Office and its role during a crucial period in American military history, primarily through the leadership of Major General Enoch Crowder. Kastenberg examines how the office expanded its influence and scope, shaping military and legal policies during World War I and its immediate aftermath. The narrative covers the legislative advancements of the era and offers insights into the civil-military dynamics that defined U.S. defense strategies. Through this study, readers gain a deeper understanding of how legal structures were adapted to support military expansion and governance.

Criticism

While To Raise and Discipline an Army is praised for its thorough historical research and insightful analysis, some readers may find the densely packed details overwhelming, especially those not familiar with legal history. The focus on legal intricacies might seem exhaustive to some, creating a potential barrier for casual readers primarily interested in a general overview of military history. However, for readers with a keen interest in the evolution of military law and civil-military relations, Kastenberg's work offers a rich and detailed account.