Military Culture Shift: The Impact of War, Money, and Generational Perspective on Morale, Retention, and Leadership

by Corie Weathers

A guide to understanding and leading today's US military force.Significant shifts in military culture have created a complex set of challenges, impacting morale and motivation, recruitment and retention, and program participation. Military Culture Shift presents the story of US military service members, their families, and the institution itself, through the lens of multiple generations, and the major factors impacting modern-day recruitment, retention, leadership, and wellness. A licensed counselor and leadership consultant, author Corie Weathers draws from her own military spouse experience, her professional work with military families and leaders, and more than 15 years of research, to offer narrative history, insights, and perspectives viewpoints, from World War I veterans to today’s recruits (Gen Z)Short- and long-term impact of Department of Defense budget decisionsEmerging social trends within the military community, especially post-9/11Cumulative effect of two decades of war on military family wellnessOf special interest to military leaders, service members, military family members, as well as historians, politicians, educators, and counselors, Military Culture Shift helps readers understand and past decisions have led to the current stateGenerational differences in motivation, trust in authority, and learning stylesWhy families aren't turning up for in-person and social eventsCommunication shifts that impact cohesivenessLeadership strategies to influence positive changes going forward

Genres: Military Fiction

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2023

Reviews

[Anda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chaplains, commanders, spouses, service members of all kinds, even retired needing healing, I believe this book came out a few years too late, but I’m glad it’s here today. 

Like many spouses, I have been in a constant state of questioning military life. I’ve been trying to understand what is going on and where we are headed after two decades of service and sacrifice. From understanding the older generation, where toxic leadership seems to be major headlines across the nation, to insubordinate, entitled and disrespectful, millennials and Gen Z. Things are changing rather quickly around here, but it makes sense after all we have been through.

The author actually had guts to explain military life like an abusive relationship. They beat you down until your bones begin to break, but you’re petrified to leave them. Then they offer you a promotion, or a great assignment, and you take it off the chance that things will “get better”.

This book is raw and painful for our Vets. It’s the history of military culture from WWl until now and brings to light honest questions about change that need to be addressed.

The author doesn’t just stop there. She gives us clear questions to ponder and meditate on. Tips for leaders to work with the next generation. Hope for those who are “quietly quitting”, honorable recognition of those who put their foot down and got out, some even before retirement, and encouragement for those who have chosen to stay.

I want to encourage you to read this book. Read it for yourself, read it for your service member and read it TO your service member. This book is for them, but it brings some healing to us all.

Keep on keeping on!

[Jennifer Hamrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book let me know that I am not alone in feeling the shift that has taken place over the past few years. I thought it was just me or that it was just "where" we were stationed (overseas twice). I didn't realize that military spouses all over the world were noticing the same shift and feeling the same weariness. The author straightforwardly explains the different values each generation holds dear and shows how people who cling to different values may struggle to see eye to eye. But the author doesn't stop at pointing out struggles. At the end of each chapter, she highlights people who have exemplified "what right looks like," and she offers an entire chapter filled with leadership tips.

The author has truly captivated the experience my service-member husband and I have had in this amazing military culture for the past 18 years. I feel seen and sometimes feeling seen and understood is the first step toward progress.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Story, brilliantly told!

My wife and I have served in the Army since long before the Global War on Terror (GWOT) began. I am a Soldier and she is an amazing spouse. This book tells the story of the last two decades of war with passion and honesty. It challenges our thinking, and it explains some of the bigger picture. If you know a military family, if you love a military family, if you simply care about what the military and specifically our families have gone through in two decades of war, please read this book!

[Danny Jarvis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A somewhat misleading title, it focuses heavily on the family culture of the military, is almost entirely Army based, and wave tops the leadership aspects. It’s more of a historical review of generational differences as they relate to the army, from the greatest generation to today. The points the author makes are valid, but the focus on how leaders can best communicate and lead ensuing generations is only a small percentage of the writing. Still, those points which are mentioned are worth remembering:

“It is often easier to pacify our gut reaction that something is wrong rather than face the overwhelming task of trying to change the situation”

Within one’s circle of influence leadership isn’t a position or rank, but the “one willing to take a step toward change.” When those steps are for the benefit of the team, “followers will emulate it and turn the change into a movement.”

The importance of empathy. “The more complex the situation that involves people, the more intensional we should be to dig deeper, listen longer, think slower, and seek the perspective of others who will be affected by the decisions we are about to make”

A caution to not “be enslaved” by the experience of the last war. While those experiences are valid in forming our leadership styles and knowledge/skills, we cannot allow them to prevent growth and continued learning or development.

“If you’re going to understand how to lead, train, recruit, and retain the next generation we must look closer at the ways access to information has shifted how people learn” and embrace the concepts of how they view authority. Essentially, speaking the language they understand. “With younger generations shifting their view of authority to their search for authentic leadership, transparency is crucial and no longer optional. Being humble and vulnerable is not a weakness. Vulnerable leaders create healthy boundaries that build trust and competency and character, reveal humanity through shared personal life experiences, and impart wisdom through authentic mentoring.”

None of this means abandoning heritage or tradition; it’s not simply bending our will to appease the younger generation. It’s just understanding it, listening, and being open to change in ways that can best influence shifts in the right directions.

[Chris Fitchitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an Active Duty Service Member I came into this book expecting a conversation about the internal struggles plaguing the force. I came looking to see perspective on some of the darker and maybe more untold issues facing the force and causing issues such as suicide and sensational / insane stories of moral decay.

This isn’t quite that book.

However, I found myself very happy to have continued reading. The author touches on the topics I wanted to see analyzed towards the end but prior to that I was taken on a discovery of topics that really reframed how I view the force and the relationship between the institution and the “Military Well-fare State”.

Seeing the history of change throughout a generational perspective really drives the point home with what the final message is.

The people first model and how the balance of supporting the individual and family is paramount for the institutions survival and that careful balance within the halls of congress is something that really makes you think when you see how much money is throw at the problems.

Overall, I took a lot out of this book. More than I thought when I started out reading about the plight of the spouse and was first hesitant to continue.

I would consider this a must read amount anyone that is involved in the service branches in any capacity. While the institution may be hard and cold skeleton us. The mutual understanding needed amount the “flesh” of system (the people) is the thing worth fighting for and improving.

Great book. Great work and dive into a culture that is complex and hard to understand even when you’re in it.

[Eric Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I bought this book, some of the commentary from people, and politicians all had their various opinions (to include me of course) about the next generation, Generation Z, and how "fit" they were for the military. A lot of the mystique of the military has faded away and citizens can find out about the various branches in real time via social media, blogs, and so on. As the years go on and the new generation takes the mantle, it's not surprising that there is the old generation that still endures. Post Afghanistan, this book delves into some of the more realistic and surprising reasons why there is a change into the retention and recruitment of service members these days. And this book brilliantly shows you what some of the known causes. It's not a "woke military" and a "Marxist" reason the military is having its issues. There's a lot to discuss and it would make this review too long for your own good. But I will recommend reading this book to figure out some of the issues before claiming to "know why because of X reason" and take the time to read this and find out for yourself.

[Jaimi Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading through Military Culture Shift was not only eye-opening with the breadth and depth of economic and political ingredients that brew within military funding and community, but it was also reassuring. As a 20-year military spouse, I reflected often on a shift or wave of change that kept becoming very obvious. Community breakdown, cultural changes within the military family life, more money thrown at the problem without effectiveness being assessed were all witnessed and experienced first-hand. The thickness of the leadership problems is palpable from our perspective. Military Culture Shift unpacks the ins, outs, chaos and structure of the military world to help us all gain perspective. An intelligent read whether you agree or disagree with the trends of the current military leadership structure.

[Amanda Huffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was eye opening and insightful. Not only did I relook at the time my family has been in the military with fresh eyes and understanding. It helped me answer the question why I am so tired. The time I served and continue to follow my husband's military career has been full of so much change and challenge. Learning how we got her and looking at how things need to change and focusing in on the generations is so insightful and important. I'm so thankful that Corie wrote this book. I will be using it as a reference for years to come. Must read for all military members and their families.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful reflection on where we've come from, where we are, and how we need to pivot as our military culture shifts to be an effective force, while respecting contributions from multiple generations. A must-read for anyone connected to the military, not just leaders, from the youngest recruits to the highest leaders, spouses, and those working within military and veteran service organization spaces.

[Steven Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every generation brings change, and how we adapt to that change largely defines our success or failure. The military is no different, and the broad cultural shifts the armed forces are experiencing today are both sources of controversy and the genesis of much-needed change. Corie Weathers captures all of this so well in her book, and the value of the read is impossible to describe in a short paragraph. It's THAT good.

[Mike DesJardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for modern military leaders. Weathers, a psychologist and Army spouse, lays out the military culture based off of generational differences. She expertly explains how GWOT has influenced the boomers and Gen X that led through much of that era and how millennials are bridging the gap moving forward leading Gen Z.

I will keep this book on my shelf and recommend it to all military leaders moving forward.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is well researched and presents a compelling theory as to why there has been a military culture shift over recent years, namely the entry of different generations into ever changing budget environments and a fast-paced operational tempo. A must-read for all military personnel and their spouses.

[Jessb · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved most about this book was that it was a cathartic experience for me. I appreciate her candidness and in-depth look at generational differences while including a wealth of historical information and research data. As a licensed therapist and military spouse who has observed this community for the past 20 years, she offers a unique and valuable perspective.

[Megan Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this thought provoking book, Corie does an excellent job of highlighting the hard topics and discussions we aren't having as a military community. This read is perfect for those who would want to have practical and honest approaches to military community problem solving and insight.

[Natalie Hayek · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough review of the ways generational differences have impacted military culture – and so much more. This is well written, and well researched, and leaders who read it will walk away with a renewed vision of how they can lead, adapt, and make a difference in our ever-changing community.

[Bree Berger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw Corie speak at a Military Spouse of the Year conference in May of 2025. I was instantly captivated and remember thinking to myself, “she speaks my language.” Someone who is passionate about people, military culture, who has analyzed the past to inform positive change in the future. I ordered this book, I’m pretty sure, before Corie even finished presenting.

Wow. I just finished. I had to take this one slowly, piece by piece, to really digest it. Her writing illuminated great leadership, poor leadership, institutional failures, and community wins. It provides a deeper understanding of generational norms and how to lean in to find common ground.

Highly recommend.

[Sara Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated her review on the multiple generations within the Army and how it affects "how the Army runs". She also gave great insights into the Army family, and how the generational norms impact them, which is often overlooked. I would love a comeback book that delves into more f the psychology behind the shift in culture based on introverts vs extroverts.