Soldier Perceptions of Army Customs, Courtesies, Traditions, and History and Their Relationship with Key Soldier Outcomes

Customs, courtesies, traditions, and history help to socialize new individuals into an organizations culture and to sustain and reinforce organizational values among its members. The present research examined the perceived learning and practice of Army customs, courtesies, traditions, and history among officers, noncommissioned officers (NCOs) and junior enlisted Soldiers, and the enforcement of customs and courtesies by leaders and units. Data were gathered in two phases. Qualitative data were obtained via interviews and focus groups in Phase I and quantitative data were obtained via a survey in Phase II. The results showed that Soldiers generally perceive customs, courtesies, traditions, and history to be useful for promoting respect, discipline, and pride in the unit. Some customs, courtesies, and traditions were reported to be more encouraged or enforced than others. Battalion and NCO enforcement of customs and courtesies, individual enforcement of customs and courtesies, individual views of the importance of customs and courtesies, and enjoyment of unit traditions were significantly related to affective organizational commitment. These variables, with the exception of NCO enforcement, also predicted whether individuals planned to make the Army a career. Differences in perceptions of the various customs, courtesies, traditions, and history across different grade/position groups are discussed.