chevron-down Created with Sketch Beta.

About the Series

This video series aims to improve the civic knowledge of active service members of the military. The videos and resources were developed by the ABA Standing Committee on Law and National Security in collaboration with the ABA Division for Public Education. It was funded by the Leonore Annenberg Civic Mission of the Nation Initiative, which is sponsored by the Leonore Annenberg Institute for Civics (LAIC). LAIC is project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania.

Click to Download - Discussion Guides

Episode 1

Military Law and the Constitution

This video addresses the role of the military in a constitutional democracy. The interviewer is Lala Qadir (Assistant Director and Chief of Staff, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, National Security Division). The interviewee is Judge James “Jamie” Baker (Director, Syracuse Institute for Security Policy and Law).

Stream - Episode 1 Chapters

Episode 2

Domestic Use of the Military

This video addresses the history and law of the use of the military in domestic contexts. The interviewer is Lt. Col. Laura West (Solf-Warren Chair and Professor, National Security Law Department at the Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center at the University of Virginia). The interviewee is Professor William Banks (Professor Emeritus of Public Administration and International Affairs, Boad of Advisors Distinguished Professor at Syracuse University).

Stream - Episode 2 Chapters

Episode 3

Military Values and Education

This video addresses the values and education that shape the approaches of members of the military to their duties. The interviewer is Lt. Cdr. Lauren Cherry (United States Navy Judge Advocate General Corps). The interviewee is Lt. Gen. Larry Jordan (retired, Deputy Commanding General of United States Army Training and Doctrine Command, 2001-2003).

Stream - Episode 3 Chapters

Strengthening Democracy Discussion Guides

These discussion guides are aimed to help leaders engage people—especially active service members of the military—in thoughtful conversation about difficult questions related to the role of the military in a constitutional democracy.