Introduction Military traditions are deeply rooted in history, with some dating back thousands of years. These traditions shape the way soldiers interact, train, and operate. They create a sense of identity and pride within the military. One famous quote by General John J. Pershing encapsulates the importance of military traditions: “A competent leader can get… Read More
Introduction As with most other military forces the Roman military adopted an extensive list of decorations for military gallantry and likewise a range of punishments for military transgressions. Decorations, Awards, and Victory Titles Crowns Imperial Titles Synonyms for “Emperor” Victory Titles Victory titles were treated as Latin cognomina and were usually the name of the… Read More
Introduction Cashiering (or degradation ceremony), generally within military forces, is a ritual dismissal of an individual from some position of responsibility for a breach of discipline. Etymology From the Flemish kasseren (to dismiss from service; to discard [troops]) the word entered the English language in the late 16th century, during the wars in the Low… Read More
Introduction Flagellation (Latin flagellum, “whip”), flogging or whipping is the act of beating the human body with special implements such as whips, rods, switches, the cat o’ nine tails, the sjambok, the knout, etc. Typically, flogging is imposed on an unwilling subject as a punishment; however, it can also be submitted to willingly for sadomasochistic… Read More
Introduction Mutiny is a revolt among a group of people (typically of a military or of a crew) to oppose, change, or overthrow an organisation to which they were previously loyal. The term is commonly used for a rebellion among members of the military against an internal force, but it can also sometimes mean any… Read More
“Men demand a reasonable degree of justice. They expect a leader to be fair and understanding. A single act of glaring injustice will injure his prestige and influence. Men must trust their leader in order to follow him.” “The Human Element in War,” by Major‐General Charles P. Summerall, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army,… Read More
“If soldiers are punished before they have grown attached to you, they will not prove submissive; and unless submissive, they will be practically useless. If, when the soldiers have become attached to you, punishments are not enforced, they will still be useless.Therefore soldiers must be treated in the first instance with humanity, but kept under… Read More
Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute 