In systems marked by significant governmental control over the armed forces, these are strongly buttressed by a wide-spread sense within the military of the appropriateness of such policy oversight, as suggested above. While universal conscription results in armed forces that reflect all major national groups, considerations of cost, efficiency, and political advantage may dictate selective recruitment. Training of military personnel involves clarifying assumptions about the roles they will play since these assumptions are not readily apparent in transition settings. Demobilization involves other complex issues. Although the dynamics of civil-military relations are defined by many factors other than constitutional prescriptions, they provide an important starting point for analysis.
Tensions rise in civil-military relations based on such disparities.
The heritage and nature of political leadership - The nature of political transition is affected substantially by the background of leaders. Obviously, contrasts exist along a broad spectrum between highly industrialized and well-off, and primarily subsistence agriculture and poor. Many governments spend well above the figure of three percent of GDP recommended by numerous specialists on their armed forces. Yet, as is readily apparent, rapid reductions of military expenditures may invite backlash. Though a seeming target for cuts, armed forces' budgets may in fact need some degree of protection in order for democratization and improved civil-military relations to become firmly established.