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.