Culture and traditions of war/military

Military culture and traditions is the specific set of practices associated with the military - soldiers and officers, and society in general.

It includes:

1) memories of the heroic past- struggle for liberation, defence, access to certain areas,

2) stories and legends about real and mythical heroes,

3) memories and views on the unity for the sake of common idea or cause,

4) daily and particular practices for military - before, during and after the military conflict, life in military camp style

5) everyday training and education (physical, mental, psychological) for any type of conflict preparedness,

6) way of thinking as to be ready for defence and attack in words, and fighting, mental mapping- who and why is the enemy and how to deal with him, system of military production;

7) way of conflict settlement – arrangements of life- dwelling, migration, guarding the aul and pasturelands,

8) role of military in the society and males’ functions as military caste position and role in society, in Kazakh society- batyrs and heroes, that played big role in social hierarchy

9) the symbolic and technical sides – tribal military call- uran, banner, the styles of military uniform, hardware - weaponry making tradition and cultural techniques, regular drills,

10) military software- military thought tradition – strategy, tactics, army layout and planning

11) diplomacy of war

12) arts of war – legends, myths, songs, games, music with military content.

Cultural values of war in Kazakh society

Loyalty—love to native land, family/ancestors- clan/tribe/juz- Kazakh people. Now – to the Republic of Kazakhstan and its regime.

Duty—Fulfill your obligations, participation in military drills, wars, military service compulsory since mid 1930s (USSR).

Respect—to comrades and enemies as they should be treated.

Selfless Service—Put the welfare of the people before your own.

Honor—Live up to all the your people values.

Integrity—Do what’s right, legally and morally.

Personal Courage—Face fear, danger, and adversity (physical or moral).

Role of army

The Army is an organization that instills pride in its members because of its history, mission, capabilities, and the respect it has earned in the service of the Nation. A reflection of that pride is visible in the customs, courtesies, and traditions the Army holds. Adherence to them connects people with soldiers throughout Kazakh history.

The Army has its own customs, both official and social. Some have been handed down from the distant past while others are of comparatively recent origin. Those customs that endure stand on their own merits. As a long established social organization, the Army observes a number of customs that add to the interest, pleasure, and graciousness of Army life.

Tradition is a customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior help by an identifiable group of people. It is information, beliefs, and customs handed down by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction. Kazakh military traditions are really the "Army Way" of doing and thinking. An interesting thing about traditions is that many of our Army traditions started out as something quite different from what they are now.

• Military tradition is an interesting and often amusing subject. It gives a person a feeling of pride to understand just why we do things the way we do. Traditions are expressed in the things we do, the uniform we wear, and the things we say. Many of the words we use in the Army are unique and have been added to our vocabulary from different parts of the world and at different times in history.

• Army traditions are the things that everyone in the Army does, everywhere.