Quote:
Originally Posted by Skerlnik
Sorry, must have missed that request, earlier.
In my experience/understanding of the military, there is little room for deviation from norms. Uniformity, cohesiveness and singularity of purpose is the entire point, is it not? With us/against us style rhetoric. Ally/enemy.
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OK, now I see what you mean, and thanks for responding. But your use of the word worldview is perhaps the wrong terminology. You are talking of military ethos and culture. Of course, you are right in saying there is little deviation from the norms, but this can also apply just as readily to many corporations and organisations, as can uniformity, cohesiveness and singularity of purpose. What I believe you refer to is what is known as the Warrior Ethos which embraces five distinct traits: discipline, sacrifice, cohesion, strength and authority.
The essential basis of military life is the ordered application of force under an unlimited liability. It is the unlimited liability which sets the man who embraces this life somewhat apart.
The concept of unlimited liability in defence of national interests distinguishes members of the military profession from other professions. Furthermore, the military allows for the lawful killing of others in the performance of duty. Moreover, the responsibility of military leadership permits the sacrifice of soldiers' lives in order to achieve military objectives. The stark reality of these differences from normal society has traditionally been a distinguishing feature of military life, contributing to a sense of separateness in relation to the civilian population.
It's what we do, not who we are.
My previous post covers the religious aspect of this thread, so I hope you have read it.