Implications of Generational Change for the Armed Forces

This paper investigates how the armed forces might optimize the skillset of the incoming generation of soldiers.  Generational cohorts have widely been associated with distinct attitudinal structures and behavioural patterns: Baby Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y, Millennials, and post-Millennials. Each of these generations are said to encompass generalizable proclivities and attributes. This paper surveys the vast body of literature on generational theories which it contextualizes in wider social trends on diversity and technological innovation.  With respect to the armed forces, the paper identifies controversies of particular relevance and knowledge gaps that stand to benefit from further research.