ABSTRACT
Historically, military service and military-style training have been viewed as an effective correctional tool. The military has traditionally been viewed as a maturing experience – an environment and experience that will make ‘men’ out of boys (Arkin and Dobrofsky 1978). Because of this belief it has been a widely accepted practice for parents to send troublesome and delinquent boys to a military academy, boarding school or even boot camp to emulate a military way of life (Bryant 1979; Osler 1991; MacKenzie and Parent 1992). Criminal justice officials, especially judges, have also supported this notion by ordering some offenders to join the military as an alternative to trial or prison (Shattuck 1945; Mattick 1954). Additionally, correctional philosophy has focused on the use of military-style training and discipline to punish and reform offenders (Morash and Rucker 1990; MacKenzie and Parent 1992). The discipline of a military atmosphere was expected to deter offenders by instilling obedience and respect for authority and by teaching individuals how to live a structured, disciplined lifestyle (Morash and Rucker 1990).
