To counter flagging officer retention the U.S. Army has announced that it plans to institute several significant changes in order to entice officers to longer careers. Among these incentives are benefits such as:

• Greater graduate school opportunities
• Cash bonuses for officers who stay beyond their initial obligation
• Reducing the time it takes for promotion to captain and major

Despite these planned measures the Army states that its current rate of retention is adequate for the short term. It admits, however, that the war is taking a toll and that the Army’s current plan for expansion will require more officers. Of course, this new system once again raises the ‘mercenary’ question. Will bonuses and other economic incentives create a ‘mercenary culture’ within the Army? Will the ideals of duty and patriotism be replaced by cold hard cash?