ABSTRACT
The military as a distinct social institution is as old as warfare itself. In the course of
its history the military evolved as a social organization and became more complex.
The development of new weapons led to new tactics and diversified the armed forces
into different types of troops specializing in particular weapons. As more advanced
weapons and more complex tactics could make a difference on the battlefield, it
encouraged further innovation and diversification. In this process warfare became
increasingly a business, as armed forces developed more complex needs in terms
of weapons, equipment, training and logistics. This chapter attempts to trace the
evolution of the military as a subunit of modern society with a focus on the interaction
of technology and the development of the business aspect of war.
