Military culture is based on the unique tradition, mission, structure and leadership of military history. Further, military culture maintains distinct sub-cultures (known as Branches of Service) that have unwritten sets of rules, viewpoints, perspectives and operating procedures. Understanding military culture is important when working with Veterans.
Defining the uniqueness of military culture:
The military is unlike any other career and the demands of military life create a unique set of pressures on service members and their families. For most people, their job is what they do; it does not so deeply define who they are. For families, military life offers a sense of community with clearly defined rules and expectations. Members of the military and their families share a unique bond, professional ethic, ethos, and value system. The military offers a sense of community and camaraderie unlike any other profession. But it also fosters a warrior ethos that rewards physical and emotional prowess and frowns upon weakness and timidity. It is said that the military defends the Constitution; it does not emulate it. There are strict rules limiting freedom of speech and association. To maintain “good order and discipline” commanders at all levels are given widespread authority over the personal affairs of their subordinates and held personally responsible to resolve any issues that could potentially affect performance of duty.
A Veteran’s military experience has equipped him or her with a unique set of values and skills. These characteristics distinguish Veterans from their civilian counterparts and can make them valuable members of your team. Below are common traits associated with those who have served in the military.
- Highly structured and authoritarian way of life with a mission-focused, goal-oriented approach—both explicit and implied.
- Strict sense of discipline, tending to adhere to rules and regulations.
- Strong work ethic with high regard for physical and mental strength.
- Code of conduct and organizational culture that reflects well-defined and strongly supported moral and ethical principles.
- Decisive leadership that expects loyalty of subordinates and allies.
- Warrior Culture – Bravery, Duty, Honor and Courage.
- Loyal to Comrades- Leave no Man Behind!
- Protective of family and civilians, chivalrous.
- The Mission comes first above all else.
- All Volunteer Service (No Draft).
Additionally Military Service Members share the following traits:
- Quick Learners. Men and women in the military are often forced to learn new tasks very quickly under high pressure. This can result in the development of an accelerated learning curve, which means less time training.
- Tolerant. Veterans understand diversity. During military service, they were required to work with and for whomever happened to be serving with them. This experience gives Veterans a greater sensitivity when it comes to cooperating with individuals from different backgrounds.
- Tenacious. Veterans have experience performing their duties in less-than-perfect situations. This means they have most likely achieved success under adverse conditions. Having already overcome adversity during their military career can make Veterans great employees because they are less likely to give up when challenges arise.
- Understand Leadership. Veterans have witnessed the dynamics of leadership in action and understand how to manage people in order to achieve results, regardless of circumstance. In addition, Veterans have a healthy respect and understanding for leadership, whether they were a leader or a follower during military service.
- Team Players. Although there are significant differences between the command and control culture of the military and the more collaborative culture in the civilian workforce, Veterans bear a huge sense of responsibility toward their colleagues. This trait makes Veteran candidates natural team players.
- Efficient. Veterans have likely performed effectively under high pressure on numerous occasions during their military career. The ability to handle pressure translates into workplace efficiency as military personnel are used to getting a job done correctly, quickly and expediently—with limited resources or assistance.
- Appreciate Receiving Feedback. Veterans are used to receiving direct feedback from superiors. Military personnel learn to absorb what they are told regarding their performance without taking it personally. As a result, Veterans know how to handle feedback well and appreciate being told how their performance aligns with expectations.
As a civilian who has not ever served in the military, it is easy to be influenced by commonly held stereotypes regarding military personnel and the challenges and experiences that they have faced during their service. The chart below highlights some of these issues and challenges.
| What are some common stereotypes of military culture? |
What are some of the challenges that come along with the commitment to military life? |
What are some positive aspects of military life? |
- Unable to think outside the box
- Unwilling to learn a new culture
- Roadblock to higher education
- Training and jobs have little relation to the civilian world
- Life threat (combat and deployment)
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- Loss (e.g., death of close comrades or loss of relationships, loss of aspects of one’s self, loss of possessions)
- Inner conflict (belief systems or values)
- Strong stigma with receiving mental health care
- Family separations and re-assimilation into the family
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- Increased sense of camaraderie and teamwork
- Pride in serving the country
- Support for continuous education
- Insurance and retirement benefits
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Each military service has its own history, mission, culture and terminology. Listed in the chart below is a brief description of each branch of the military. It is important to remember that each person is an individual, so ask the person how he or she would like to be addressed. The U.S. military has five branches: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. The Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines are housed under the Department of Defense (DoD). The DoD is headed by the Secretary of Defense, a civilian appointed by the President. Each department within the DoD is headed by its respective Secretary (e.g., the Secretary of the Army), also a civilian appointed by the President. Each branch is headed by a military 4-star general or admiral (i.e., Army Chief of Staff, Air Force Chief of Staff, Chief of Naval Operations, and Commandant of the Marine Corps) and these individuals are collectively known as the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Coast Guard is housed under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime and can serve as part of the Navy’s force during times of war. Each branch of the military has a Reserve component. In addition, our nation is also served by the National Guard and the Merchant Marine.
Service Member to Civilian
Military Service Veterans transitioning to the civilian workforce may face challenges demonstrating how their military experience relates to the career opportunity they are seeking. However, as hiring managers and HR professionals, being aware of these issues can help you bridge this gap as you integrate talented Veterans into your organization.This conference ,dedicated to the process of transition ,will be held at the Bryant Conference Center on December 2-3, 2014. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and visit our website for more info and news about veteran careers, veterans issues and the transition process.
Article by T. Scott Martin, MSW, LCSW. Scott Scott Martin is the Chief of Social Work Service for the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center and is part of the advisory committee for the S2C Conference. He served as an Army enlisted Combat Engineer and was later commissioned as an Army Officer. He served as a Captain in the Army’s Medical Service Corps as a Social Work Officer until 2004
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