International Journal of Arts and Humanities (IJAH)

This article is a qualitative study that examines the collaborative efforts between social work and military professionals through the historical work of the National Committee on Social Work in Defense Mobilization (NCSWDM, 1950-1955). The development of the NCSWDM in 1950 was the first collaboration of its kind bridging the social work field with military establishments to increase the number of social workers in the field at a time of severe shortages and increased needs in defense affected communities. The author argues that the NCSWDM is a valuable historical example of interprofessional practice that informs military social work. Interprofessional practice in this context is increasing the footprint of social workers in military affected contexts to improve outcomes for service members and their families. This study contributes to the underdeveloped area of research related to interprofessional practice with military social workers and outlines the limited information available that documents the historic work of the NCSWDM during its tenure.