Total force and the new American military family: Implications for social work practice

Increasing numbers of civilian social workers are being hired by the Depart ment of Defense to provide services In military family programs. Recent cha nges in the American military, commonly referred to as "total force" policy , will bring even more social workers into contact with both active-compone nt and reserve-component military families. The total force policy has caus ed the military family to be redefined. Still, the military hierarchy, cult ure, organization, and social support systems are key factors to be conside red in the delivery of social services to military members and their famili es. Critical differences in the needs of reserve-component and active-compo nent military families challenge social work practice. Social work practice has not kept pace with the changing military family environment It is time to incorporate military families into practice as yet another diverse popu lation with whom social workers will intend. This article describes the new American military family, provides principles for practice, and identifies how social workers can respond.