An Oldy But Goody Book Read

I recently began reading a book that people have been telling me for quite some time that I really need to read and it is even on the official US Army reading list. I’m glad I finally decided to start reading this book. This book was written in 1959 and it amazing how many of the themes of the book fit in with contemporary attitudes today. Take this passage for example:

I didn’t say anything. None of it was news to me; I’d thought about it. Father stood up and put a hand on my shoulder. “Son, don’t think I don’t sympathize with you; I do. But look at the real facts. If there were a war, I’d be the first to cheer you on – and to put the business on a war footing. But there isn’t, and praise God there never will be again. We’ve outgrown wars. This planet is now peaceful and happy and we enjoy good enough relations with other planets. So what is this so-called “Federal Service”? Parasitism, pure and simple. A functionless organ, utterly obsitism, pure and simple. A functionless organ, utterly obsolete, living on the taxpayers. A decidely expensive way for inferior people who otherwise would be unemployed to live at public expense for a term of years, then give themselves airs for the rest of their lives. Is that what you want to do?

Reading that passage brought back memories of what my guidance counselor in high school told me about how I was wasting my time joining the military. I was much too smart for it. The wall fell, the Cold War is over, and the military is being cut and really not needed.

Than also compare this passage to the attitude today pushed by some on the left that the army is filled with low life, uneducated, criminals.  This author was writing about this same perception from the 1950’s as well.  It is interesting to read about the perceptions of the military that existed in the 1950’s that the author framed his science fiction story around.

So does anyone know what book I’m talking about?