Military tradition is the specific set of practices associated with the military or soldiers in general. The concept may describe the styles of
military uniformA dress is a garment consisting of a skirt with an attached bodice or with a matching bodice giving the effect of a one-piece garment.Dress may also refer to:*Clothing in general*Costume, fancy dress...
, drill, or even the
musicMusic is an art form whose medium is sound. Common elements of music are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
of a military unit.
In the
United StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, military tradition is a general term, that can refer to simply a father-son relationship or a much longer, ancestors-long line (which is the normal meaning). It is often described that the
Southern United StatesThe Southern United States—commonly referred to as the American South, Dixie, Down South, or simply the South—constitutes a large distinctive region in the southeastern and south-central United States...
as a whole have a military tradition, which is represented in the much higher representation of Southerners in the U.S.
Military tradition is the specific set of practices associated with the military or soldiers in general. The concept may describe the styles of
military uniformA dress is a garment consisting of a skirt with an attached bodice or with a matching bodice giving the effect of a one-piece garment.Dress may also refer to:*Clothing in general*Costume, fancy dress...
, drill, or even the
musicMusic is an art form whose medium is sound. Common elements of music are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
of a military unit.
In the United States
In the
United StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, military tradition is a general term, that can refer to simply a father-son relationship or a much longer, ancestors-long line (which is the normal meaning). It is often described that the
Southern United StatesThe Southern United States—commonly referred to as the American South, Dixie, Down South, or simply the South—constitutes a large distinctive region in the southeastern and south-central United States...
as a whole have a military tradition, which is represented in the much higher representation of Southerners in the U.S. Military today and throughout the nation's history.
http://www.jewishworldreview.com/cols/coulter021500.asp
In Europe
In
EuropeEurope is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally divided from Asia to its east by the water divide of the Ural Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus Mountains , and the Black Sea to the southeast...
, military tradition was a principle of the
militaryA military is an organization authorized by its nation to use force, usually including use of weapons, in defending its country by combating actual or perceived threats. As an adjective the term "military" is also used to refer to any property or aspect of a military...
that evolved out of the
Middle AgesThe Middle Ages of European history is a period of European history covering roughly a millennium in the 5th century through 16th centuries. More specific starting and ending points are sometimes adopted by scholars to suit their respective specializations or current focus...
' concept of
chivalryChivalry is a term related to the medieval institution of knighthood. It is usually associated with ideals of knightly virtues, honor and courtly love. The word is derived from the French word chevalier, indicating one who rides a horse Chivalry is a term related to the medieval institution of...
.
Within Europe, various military traditions developed. In England, military tradition was carried on in regimental lines, with each regiment tracing its own history back. Today with reforms in the British Army many believe that British military traditions are destroyed.
In
PrussiaPrussia was a historic state originating out of the Duchy of Prussia and the Margraviate of Brandenburg. For centuries this state had substantial influence on German and European history...
and the
German EmpireThe German Empire is the name commonly used in English to describe Germany from the unification of Germany and proclamation of Wilhelm I as German Emperor on 18 January 1871 to 1918, when it became a German republic after defeat in World War I and the abdication of Wilhelm II .The term Second Reich...
, states relied on their own history as a state rather than as a regiment, while some specific regiments within elite formations did maintaing unit histories. For example, one regiment, the Potsdam Grenadiers, consisted of extremely tall men.
The
FrenchFrance , officially the French Republic , is a country located in Western Europe, with several overseas islands and territories located on other continents. Metropolitan France extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea, and from the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean...
created the concept of
Esprit de Corps, or pride in ones unit, within most elite or unique French units. North African units like the Zouaves, the Turcos, the
French Foreign LegionThe French Foreign Legion is a unique unit in the French Army, established in 1831. The legion was specifically created for foreign nationals wishing to serve in the French Armed Forces, but commanded by French officers. However, it is also open to French citizens, who amount to 24% of recruits...
, or even the Mamelukes which served in Napoleon Bonaparte's
Imperial GuardThe Imperial Guard was originally a small group of elite soldiers of the French Army under the direct command of Napoleon I, but grew considerably over time. It acted as his bodyguard and tactical reserve, and he was careful of its use in battle...
developed distinctive styles of dress which developed this. Many of these distinctive styles were later adopted by the French Metropolitan Army during the nineteenth century.
In Japan
In
Japanis an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, People's Republic of China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, most military tradition was based on the
bushido, meaning "Way of the Warrior", is a Japanese code of conduct and a way of the samurai life, loosely analogous to the concept of chivalry. It originates from the samurai moral code and stresses frugality, loyalty, martial arts mastery, and honor unto death. Born of two main influences, the violent...
code. Bushido, translated as 'way of the warrior' in English, was the strict code of military discipline adhered to by
Samuraiis the term for the military nobility of pre-industrial Japan. According to translator William Scott Wilson: "In Chinese, the character 侍 was originally a verb meaning to wait upon or accompany a person in the upper ranks of society, and this is also true of the original term in Japanese, saburau...
warriors.
In fiction
Military Tradition is used in the strategy game
Sid Meier's Civilization III, released by
AtariAtari is a corporate and brand name owned by several entities since its inception in 1972. It is currently owned by Atari Interactive, a wholly owned subsidiary of the French publisher Infogrames Entertainment SA ....
, as a technological advance that allows the building of
cavalryCavalry were soldiers or warriors who fought mounted on horseback in combat. Cavalry were historically the second oldest and most mobile of the combat arms...
units.
Military Tradition is a game concept in strategy game
Europa Universalis IIIEuropa Universalis III is a grand strategy computer game by Paradox Interactive. The game and its expansion were later ported to Mac OS X by Virtual Programming....
released by
SwedishSweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe...
PC
strategy gameA strategy game is a game in which the players' decision-making skills have a high significance in determining the outcome. Many games include this element to a greater or lesser degree, making demarcation difficult...
designer,
Paradox InteractiveParadox Interactive is a Swedish video game developer based in Stockholm that is known for producing historical strategy computer games. It is also a video game publisher, publishing its own games as well as others through traditional retail channels as well as digital distribution services, such...
. In the game 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.