Compare and Contrast vs “regular” research paper: understand that BOTH are research papers. The same source standards apply for both types of papers. In a compare / contrast you are specifically looking for the what is similiar and dissimilar between two items, events, etc. These papers should approximately contain the same amounts of comparisons and contrasts. If you do an argumentative style research paper, you must pick a “side” of a topic, create a thesis, and defend that thesis.
TOPIC: Compare and contrast two efforts by the U.S. military to transform. Your analysis will identify two or three key factors that led to the perceived or actual need to transform, two or three key policies enacted to effect the desired transformation, the leading forces that shaped policies pursued in order to achieve the transformation, and an assessment as to how well the military organization under investigation achieved its desired endstate. In your conclusion, synthesize the insights gained from your study that Soldiers can apply as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. OR Research Paper on A theme from America’s First Battles is how—and why—the U.S. military has repeatedly been unprepared to execute its primary mission at the outbreak of hostilities. Using two examples from this book (or, if you wish, you may select initial operations from Operation Just Cause, Operation Desert Storm, actions in Mogadishu, Operation Enduring Freedom, or Operation Iraqi Freedom), identify the root factors affecting the U.S. military’s readiness to perform its primary function during the initial stages of the conflicts under investigation. In your analysis, be sure to include the role of the NCO in preparing Soldiers to conduct combat operations. In your conclusion, address whether or not the U.S. military has overcome the fundamental obstacles to achieving force readiness prior to the commencement of combat operations.
Assignment Instructions: Need both an outline and final paper at the same time (ie on one document). Submit the outline, title page, abstract (150-200 words), research paper (5-7 pages, 1250-1500 words) and reference page. The outline must contain the topic selected. This may be history centric; but it is NOT a history report! Analyze and use historical examples to support the thesis. Do not give lengthy recounts of campaigns and battles. Format: (APA 6th edition format). No endnotes or footnotes. Do NOT write in first person/passive voice. Sources: This is a research paper – use three SCHOLARLY sources for your paper. A scholarly source is one that is academic in nature and is primarily for the purpose of research. You are allowed to use other legitimate sources of information as SUPPLEMENTAL sources – but your 3 primary sources must be scholarly in nature.
Example Outline: Ethical Dilemmas in the Military Broad Topic: Ethical Dilemmas in the Military Narrow Topic: Understanding dilemmas of medical personnel Thesis: The contradiction of rules and regulations causes ethical dilemmas in military medical professionals charged with upholding basic human moral conduct. 1. Ethical education for military 2. Military departments most affected by ethical dilemmas a.) Military Social workers b.) Military medical officers 3. War zone a) Observance of Sanctity of life b) Acceptable levels of casualties 4. Opposing views a) Role of medical impartiality 5. Effects and solutions to ethical dilemma a) Effects of ethical dilemma b) Solutions to ethical dilemma 6. Conclusion