Is the Army a Profession?

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Argumentative Paper Is the Army a Profession of Arms? The purpose of this paper is to argue why or why not the Army is a profession of arms? To start this paper I feel it is best to clarify what is means to be a profession. Andrew Abbott describes a profession best in his article The Theory of Professions. Abbott states: Professions produce uniquely expert work, not routine or repetitive work. Medicine, theology, law, and the military are ― “social trustee” forms of professions. Effectiveness, rather than pure efficiency, is the key to the work of professionals—the sick want a cure, the sinner wants absolution, the accused want exoneration, and the defenseless seek security. To my knowledge professions take a lot of education and training. Typically these services are not common and require a lot of experience too. With that in mind and referencing General Dempsey’s description it is with out a doubt that I say being accepted and trained in the United States Military totally classifies as a profession. According to The Profession of Arms, “Society is utterly dependent on professionals for their health, justice, and Security.” This helps set up exactly what members of the Army do. They support and defend the constitution, which in turn affects the direct security of the citizens of the United States of America. The profession of a Soldier is not something to be taken lightly. American Soldiers are put through the most intense, realistic, and effective training in the World. They are tested physically, mentally, and spiritually to their wits end. Pushing every aspect of their person to the limits. All this is saying, with this kind of training, experience, trust, and responsibility there is no doubt that this position is fully qualified as a profession. The Army is a unique profession in itself. There is no other profession like it. In article the

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