The traditions and practices of the military are commonly linked to fundamental values like discipline, sacrifice, honour, and loyalty, which serve as cornerstone principles in the value system of any reputable Armed Forces. These same values are admired by many non-military organizations, and hence it is not uncommon to see companies, sports teams, and even universities borrow these military traditions and practices to ‘borrow the spirit and character of the military’.

My view is that this is unacceptable and improper as these organizations knowingly or unknowingly are degrading these very important and ‘sacred’ military traditions. The Importance of Traditions in the Military Military traditions are varied and can be associated with the styles of uniforms, rituals carried out in certain ceremonies, etc. These traditions play a critical role, as they serve as a reminder of the history of the Military or a particular Regiment.

They assist in preserving the values and ideals of the military and ensure that these are passed down from one generation of soldiers to the next. Importantly, they serve to create a strong sense of unity and camaraderie among soldiers. By participating in these shared rituals, soldiers feel a profound sense of belonging and connection with their fellow servicemen, regardless of their background or rank.

This, in turn, helps to foster a culture of teamwork, discipline, and collaboration that is essential for achieving success in any military operation. Another reason traditions and rituals are so critical is that they help to instil a sense of discipline and order among soldiers. The military relies heavily on strict rules to ensure that soldiers can perform their duties effectively and efficiently, especially under duress in difficult battle situations.

Traditions help to reinforce these rules by providing a framework for soldiers to follow. For example, soldiers are expected to salute their superiors as a sign of respect and deference. This practice serves to reinforce the critical importance of hierarchy within the military and ensures that soldiers will always be subservient to their superiors under any circumstances. Very importantly, military traditions and practices reinforce the values and ideals central to the military, such as duty, honour, and sacrifice.

By observing and upholding these time-honoured traditions, soldiers are constantly reminded of the significance of pivotal moments in military history and motivated to incorporate these rituals into their everyday routines. For example, the playing of the last post in the evenings at all military installations is a tradition that symbolizes the end of the day’s activities, and at funerals, it honours the sacrifices of a soldier to the country.

By honouring those who have served and sacrificed, soldiers develop a sense of pride and are motivated to continue to serve with honour and distinction. Why Non-Military Organizations should not Imitate Military Traditions Firstly, it is important to recognize that military traditions are unique to the military. In its long history, every military organization has developed its own set of customs and values that reflect its specific purpose and the realities of life in the military.

Non-military organizations, on the other hand, have different objectives and do not face the same challenges. As such, it is inappropriate for these organizations to imitate military traditions, as they are not relevant or applicable to their context. Non-military organizations that imitate military traditions are also clearly disrespectful to the sacrifices made by military personnel. For example, some security companies have adopted military-style uniforms, as a way to promote discipline and teamwork.

While these practices may seem harmless, they can be viewed as degrading the military's culture. Servicemen undergo rigorous training and endure hardships and dangers to have the privilege of putting on the uniform. Hence, other organizations' use of military-style uniforms and ranks can be seen as discourteous and disrespectful to servicemen and women who have earned the right to wear them through their service and sacrifices.

Conclusion : In conclusion, while non-military organizations may admire the military's structure and values, that does not give them the right to imitate its traditions and practices. These traditions are the result of many years of history and are rooted in the realities of life and experiences in the military. Therefore, the imitation of these traditions can be seen as a trivialization of the sacrifices made by servicemen. It's important to recognize that every soldier puts their life on the line every day in order to protect their country.