Specific Sources of Trust in Generals: Individual-Level Trust in the U.S. Military

Abstract This essay explores the individual-level determinants of trust in U.S. military. Prior research has identified five possible drivers societal military: performance, professionalism, persuasion, personal connection, and partisanship. Using data from American National Election Studies General Social Survey, we emphasize importance understanding at an individual level, as perceptions military performance professionalism are not objective but mediated by factors. Our findings reinforce mixed support for being linked to assessments success on or off battlefield, undermine arguments that relate high a widening gap between civilian society. We also present new evidence generational ideational sources consistent with recent speculation is declining. Overall, show may be difficult change, public consequences variety defense-oriented policies.