Seeing Through the Stereotype: British Army Culture — An Insider Anthropology

Abstract

The scene could be at any one of many informal gatherings in recent years. There are people standing and sitting, chatting and drinking, and conversation is flowing happily. When one of those present is asked what ‘he does’ he replies that he is in the Army. “What rank are you?” - “Lieutenant Colonel.” Waggishly, the other speaker (who has never been near the Army in his life) replies,“Oh, I must watch my step then!”, and draws himself up rather awkwardly into what he imagines to be a military pose, grins clownishly and raises a hand in a mock salute. On the same evening a television programme unfolds. It is a story of every-day life in a military unit. A lieutenant and his company sergeant major are conversing in loud voices. Private Smith, one of the chief characters in the drama, is standing on guard duty about fifteen feet away.“Sergeant Major, I can’t do anything to stop Private Smith being court- martialled. It’s what the Major wants and that’s that.” -“But you know what they’ll do to him Sir? He was only late for parade the once.” -“Yes, but that was the chance that the Major was waiting for. You know how things are between them. And anyway, who knows - two weeks in the glass-house may do him good.”