Could more military schools be the answer to stopping Trump?

With the US election days away and polls suggesting that Trump is picking up large support from young men, the Western world is facing up to an issue that has long been ignored; the West has a man problem.

More and more young men are feeling disconnected and left behind. This disaffection is driving some toward populist movements and conspiracy theories, while others find refuge in figures like Andrew Tate, who capitalises on a crisis in masculinity by promoting an ultra-competitive, hyper-masculine lifestyle. It's clear that many young men today feel they're missing something crucial—a sense of identity, belonging, and purpose.

In recent decades, education has shifted, focusing more on academics and university paths rather than trades or practical skills. While this has benefited many, especially women, who's incomes have risen dramatically (from a low base) it has left young men without alternative routes to success, particularly those who don’t thrive in a traditional academic setting. Meanwhile, globalisation has seen the decline of high-paying manual jobs, with roles that once supported families replaced by lower-paid work, often undercut by low-cost migration. It is all well and good for white collar liberals to dismiss concerns about migration - but it is less hard to do so when you're a mechanic or labourer in direct competition with many of the new arrivals. Young men who may not have academic qualifications are increasingly funnelled into what’s left: low-paying, insecure roles, or so-called “pink-collar” jobs that don’t align with traditional masculine expectations (jobs in healthcare are booming as the Western world ages). The old idea of a man supporting his family on a single income has become outdated, but it still influences young men’s self-worth, leaving them feeling undervalued or “cheated” by modern society.

Faced with these pressures, many young men turn to online spaces that cater to their frustrations. Figures like Tate and others within hyper-masculine, often anti-establishment communities, offer an alternative to mainstream norms. While these influencers promise strength and success, they also often fuel discontent, reinforcing feelings of isolation and resentment. So, where does this leave young men who want something more constructive? Could military schools, with their structure and clear expectations, offer a healthier path forward? Could military schools protect from populism?

Military schools provide an environment based on discipline, structure, and accountability—qualities often missing from mainstream high schools. These institutions expect students to adhere to routines and push themselves, fostering resilience and responsibility. For many young men, this disciplined environment is precisely what they need to channel their energy and frustrations in a positive direction.

Research shows that military environments encourage high levels of resilience, grit, and the ability to handle stress. Military school students learn to bounce back from setbacks, skills that are increasingly relevant today (Bartone, Snook, & Tremble, 2002; Kelly, Matthews, & Bartone, 2014). Imagine a young man feeling lost finding himself in an environment that encourages strength, decisiveness, and self-reliance. For some, military schools may provide the sense of purpose and belonging they’ve been craving.

It’s not just about rules and routines; military schools also foster a strong sense of community. When you’re part of a team, relying on each other to meet challenges, it becomes easier to open up and seek support. Research shows that this camaraderie can reduce the stigma around mental health issues—a big barrier for many young men (Wright et al., 2009). Being part of a close-knit community can help young men understand that seeking support is okay, especially when everyone around them is committed to the same goals.

So, could military schools be a solution for today’s disaffected young men? For some, absolutely. These schools provide purpose, structure, and a community that many young men are missing. But to be effective, military schools need to balance discipline with emotional support, creating a space where young men can develop resilience without sacrificing their mental health. With these improvements, military schools could offer a constructive path forward for young men who feel lost in today’s world.

References

Atwater, L. E., Dionne, S. D., Avolio, B., Camobreco, J. F., & Lau, A. W. (1999). A longitudinal study of the leadership development process: Individual differences predicting leader effectiveness. Human Relations, 52(12), 1543-1562.

Bartone, P. T., Snook, S. A., & Tremble, T. R. (2002). Cognitive and personality predictors of leader performance in West Point cadets. Military Psychology, 14(4), 321-338.

Greene-Shortridge, T. M., Britt, T. W., & Castro, C. A. (2007). The stigma of mental health problems in the military. Military Medicine, 172(2), 157-161.

Kelly, D. R., Matthews, M. D., & Bartone, P. T. (2014). Grit and hardiness as predictors of performance among West Point cadets. Military Psychology, 26(4), 327-342.

University of Georgia (2024). Why men are disaffected and turning to Trump: A closer look at college campus conservatism.

Wright, K. M., Cabrera, O. A., Bliese, P. D., & Adler, A. B. (2009). Stigma and barriers to care in soldiers post-combat. Psychological Services, 6(2), 108-116.