Military tradition is the specific set of practices associated with the military or soldiers in general. The concept may describe the styles of
military uniform,
drill, or even the
music of a military unit.
In the United States
In the
United States, 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 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.
In Europe
In
Europe, military tradition was a principle of the
military that evolved out of the
Middle Ages' concept of
chivalry.
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.
A French zouave from 1888 in the distinctive campaign uniform worn in North Africa. His trousers would normally be red.
In
Prussia and the
German Empire, 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
French 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 Legion, or even the
Mamelukes which served in
Napoleon Bonaparte's
Imperial Guard 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
A traditional samurai warrior, circa 1860. Photograph by
Felice BeatoIn
Japan, most military tradition was based on the
bushido code. Bushido, translated as 'way of the warrior' in English, was the strict code of military discipline adhered to by
Samurai warriors.
In fiction
Military Tradition is used in the strategy game
Sid Meier's Civilization III, released by
Atari, as a technological advance that allows the building of
cavalry units.
Military Tradition is a game concept in strategy game
Europa Universalis III released by
Swedish PC
strategy game designer,
Paradox Interactive. 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.
Category:Military traditions
