Israel's Military Culture And How It Affects The Economy
According to one definition of military culture, it is a distinct closed system of behavior according to which the members of the military are supposed to act. It consists of written as well as unwritten rules and regulations along with discrete beliefs and symbols (Cosmo, 2009).
When we talk about military culture in Israel, we refer to the whole military situation in Israel and how it affects the society and the economy. The determinant of the military culture of Israel is the Israel Defense Forces. IDF are the military forces of the State of Israel and they are formed by the ground forces, navy and the air forces. Being the only military wing of the state, it does not have any civil jurisdiction within the country.
IDF is not similar to most of armed forces of other countries. There are many differences that include the recruitment of women. Moreover, the structure of the forces pertaining to the relationship between the navy, air force and army is also different. IDF has been designed to specifically suit the military situation of the country. Being the most prominent institution of Israel's society, it influences the economy, political scene and culture of the country.
IDF makes use of the high tech weapons that have developed in Israel. Moreover, IDF has established strong ties with the military of the United States. It is considered to be one of the most battle-trained army of the world because of the military conflicts that Israel has to face from time to time (The State: Israel Defense Forces, 2009).
In this paper, we shall see how the military culture in Israel influences the culture, economy and society. We shall also see what factors determine the establishment of military ties with the U.S. army.
Without Military Culture Involved
Military culture always has an impact on the society. This impact may be negative or positive. In Israel it is a trend that every man and woman has to serve in the army when he or she is above the age of 18. Mothers and religious women are exempted from this recruitment. Moreover, men have to serve in the army for at least three years whereas the women have to serve in the army for at least two years. They may then extend their services in the IDF if they wish to do so. Meanwhile, the religious people are also exempted from being a part of IDF.
On the other hand, the countries in which there is no such military culture, people have the right to do whatever they want to when they are above the age of 18. There is no compulsion on them to join the army or serve in the army. In a way, it is not a bad thing to serve your country (being part of the military), but the pressure that builds on the shoulders of young people above the age of 18 makes things hard for them.
Moreover, when parents of young children serve in the army for prolonged periods of time, they are grow up without the attention of their parents. When a family lives in a military culture, they are unable to live in a safe, stable and nurturing environment that is essential for a healthy development of body as well as mind. Also, the parents cannot educate their children and send them to university before they serve in the army for at least three years. This is one of the most significant drawbacks.
On a positive note, from a very young age, the people of Israel learn to be responsible citizens. They all know what they have to do in future and plan their life accordingly. These people, after serving their required tenure in the army, turn out to be strong and composed citizens. They have the emotions of being loyal to the country and have the spirit to serve in the hard times when needed.
Layout of Education in Israel
The education system in Israel has always been the center of conflict. Before the year 1948, there were four different Jewish sectors of education that were commonly referred to as "trends" (U.S. Library of Congress). The educational segregation that was favored by the orthodox Jews was protected by the state because of the status quo deals among Ben-Gurion and the Orthodox Jews. Intense conflict and competition stemmed from this system especially when a lot of people started migrating to Israel from 1948 through 1953. The various parties that had formed in the region begin fighting over those who had migrated to win over their votes and secure their own political future.
Because of the many parliamentary crises...
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