This article discusses the existence of military culture, what roles it plays in war, and the differences between the different branches. It also explains the positive and negative sides of each. Mostly, this article discusses the role of history in each culture.
http://www.fpri.org/fpriwire/0702.199901.murray.militaryculturedoesmatter.html
Note: I’m using the following websites to back up some of my statements. http://anthro.palomar.edu/culture/culture_1.htm
http://www.ocs.usmc.mil/New_Web_Format/Candidate_Information/Candidate%20Regulations.pdf
I choose this topic because I felt it was very different from what most of my peers would choose to discuss, and it interests me. I have long known that the United States Military had its own culture, but I never looked at it in the same sense as cultures that are derived from nationality or religion. I believe it can truly stand among these.
According to Edward B. Tylor, culture is defined by certain rules which he lists. He says that any culture must have a verbal language. While the United States Military largely uses English, they are well known for having a language all their own and English is regulated by many rules. When addressing an officer of higher rank, there are rules such as saying “Sir” or “Ma’am” before and after a formal statement. There is also the wide variety of acronyms and other words to consider. Other rules that the Military Culture conforms to easily include: dividing tasks according to sex, regulations concerning procreation, firm laws drawing a line between good and bad behavior, having body ornamentation (in the form of uniforms), games and jokes, art, and leadership positions.
Aspects of culture that have to do with family are somewhat lacking in the military, as would be expected. This may cause people to dismiss it, but after some scrutiny, traces of these can be found as well. As for using age and gender to classify, gender is used, and while age isn’t used directly, ranks are and their purpose is to show seniority. Classifying people within the military by marriage doesn’t happen, but there is a different kind of relationship that is very important. Soldiers are divided into groups such as firing squads and platoons, and they are regularly classified by these relationships. While there are no specific rules for the raising of children, they tend to be raised within the military community. Rules for privacy are probably the sketchiest, but information could possibly be found to support their existence as well.
All in all, the military has its own culture.
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2 comments:
I knew the Military life was a complete different life, but I never really thought of it as its own culture. The attitudes and actions of those on a military base are completely different then how you would have seen those same individuals act pre the military. While in the military those squadrons or platoons you are put in become your family. They are the people you eat with, work with, and see day in and day out. It is interesting how they all become to work together. I appreciate you posting this. It is different then what I thought about posting, and I truly enjoyed reading that article!
I, too, have always felt that the military was culture in its own right. But I'm very impressed at the way you broke it down piece by piece: language, behavior, task division, leadership, rules, entertainment, rank, etc. I never realized how true that statement was. It really can stand among the more traditional concepts of what culture is.
I enjoyed the article as well as the information in the other links you shared. I have an idea on the concept of privacy. I think you could say their leave (personal time) is indicative of the need for privacy. I don't know...just a thought. :) (103)
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