AVF

American  

abbreviation

1. all-volunteer force: referring to an armed force made up solely of volunteers during a period when there is no military draft, as the U.S. armed forces since the Vietnam War.

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Etymology

Origin of AVF

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Now, however, one retired general told me, “The AVF is facing its most serious crisis since Nixon created it.”

From Washington Post • Feb. 13, 2023

“The AVF has led us to become the best trained, equipped and organized fighting force in global history,” retired Adm.

From Washington Post • Feb. 13, 2023

That bias reinforces the assumption that the AVF is a poor man's draft.

From Salon • Mar. 16, 2020

Over 90% of active duty troops prefer the AVF over a draft.

From Time • Jan. 21, 2013

If Congress is willing to prescribe ambitious remedies, most experts generally believe that the AVF is salvageable.

From Time Magazine Archive