The war in Iraq and the problematic military occupation of that country have calledinto question the adequacy of America's all-volunteer force. Politicians and others have expresseddoubts about its equity and capability; some have called for the reinstatement of the draft. Yetover the past twenty years the all-volunteer military has become a technologically advanced forcethat has contributed to America's overall military advantage. This book analyzes current militarypay and personnel policies and identifies changes needed to maintain and improve America'sall-volunteer force.Filling the Ranks argues that to attract qualified and motivated volunteers, thearmed forces need to offer better tangible inducements -- pay, benefits, and training -- toaccompany such intangible rewards as pride in serving one's country. Many of the policies related totangible rewards were established shortly after World War II and are no longer effective. Fillingthe Ranks presents detailed assessments of US military pay and personnel policies in light of thestrategic, demographic, economic, and labor realities of the future. It identifies specific problemsthat today's military career patterns, training, pay, and benefits pose for officers and enlistedmen and women in both active duty and reserve forces, discussing such issues as competition with theprivate sector for talent, the need to restructure compensation, and provision of family support. Itoffers recommendations for more flexible, adaptive, and effective policies and a blueprint forachieving them.