 | This articleneeds additional citations forverification. Please helpimprove this article byadding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Military tradition" – news ·newspapers ·books ·scholar ·JSTOR(November 2007) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Military tradition ormilitary culture is the practices associated with the military or soldiers such as the styles ofmilitary uniform,drill, or themusic of a military unit.
InEurope, tradition was a principle ofmilitary culture that had evolved out of theMiddle Ages' concept ofchivalry.
Within Europe a wide variety of separate military traditions developed until at least World War I. Subsequently, major political and social changes have tended to break-down the historical continuity that had been a source of military tradition in many armies.
InBritain, military traditions developed primarily along regimental lines, taking the form of long-established regimental customs, insignia, badges and distinctive features of uniform. Since the late 1960s, a series of regimental mergers and disbandments have diluted British military tradition, although it still remains strong in theGuards Division.
InPrussia and theGerman Empire, states relied on their own history to maintain military traditions, although some specific regiments within elite formations did maintain distinctive customs and items of dress. For example, one regiment, thePotsdam Grenadiers, consisted of extremely tall men.
TheFrench created the concept ofEsprit de corps, or the concept of pride in one's unit, within most elite or uniquely French units. North African units like theZouaves, thetirailleurs, theFrench Foreign Legion, or even theMamluks which served inNapoleon Bonaparte'sImperial Guard developed distinctive styles of dress. Many of these distinctive styles were later adopted by the FrenchMetropolitan Army during the nineteenth century.
InJapan, most military tradition was based on thebushido code. Bushido, translated as 'way of the warrior' in English, was the strict code ofmilitary discipline adhered to bySamurai warriors.
In theUnited States, military tradition can refer simply to a father-son relationship or a much longer, ancestors-long line.[clarification needed] Military tradition refers to the tradition in a family to systematically destine one of its sons for a military career. This tradition is associated with theSouthern United States and is seen in a high representation of Southerners in the U.S. military today and throughout the nation's history.[1][2]
Military Tradition is used in the strategy gameSid Meier's Civilization III, released byAtari, as a technological advance that allows the building ofcavalry units.
Military Tradition is a game concept in the strategy gameEuropa Universalis IV released bySwedish PCstrategy game designer,Paradox Interactive. In the game, a player-controlled faction can accumulate Military Tradition by engaging in land battle. A higher Military Tradition value results in the ability to recruit generals and conquistadors of better quality.
Distinct elements of a military culture are also present in many fictional publications. These are often used as an important element in shaping fictional culture by authors. Military fiction is a key component of the "military and popular culture" subfield.[3]
