Military Culture

Abstract

Military organizations represent a specific occupational culture which is relatively isolated from society. Military people not only work in separated barracks and bases, but they also live there frequently (and sometimes their wives and children as well). Cadets and recruits get their training in specific schools and academies, where a sense of uniqueness is emphasized; and military personnel wear uniforms which makes them, in a highly visible way, distinct from most other workers. Military organizations are “greedy institutions” because they require a lot from their personnel: during active duty personnel are on a permanent, 24-hour call with rather ideosyncratic working shifts; their leave is subject to cancellation (Druckman et al., 1997); and they can be ordered to far-off places on short notice. The jobs in the military may be dangerous and potentially life threatening. For this reason servicemen and servicewomen are usually armed or at least equipped with protective instruments and materials. If necessary, the military can make use of legitimized violence.