This accessible handbook delves into the sociological approach to the study of the military, compiled from documents coming from various researchers at universities around the world as well as military officers devoted to the sector of study. It offers a historical examination of studies prior to contemporary research, interpretive models and theoretical approaches developed specifically for this topic - civic-military relations. Topics include: issues surrounding democratic control of the armed forces; military culture; professional training; conditions and problems of minorities in the armed forces; and structural change within the military over the years, including new duties and functions following the Cold War.