Esprit de Corp Over Patriotism

Lt Gen. H.S. Panag (retd)

As India is in the middle of a high-pitched, national security-driven campaign by the BJP this Lok Sabha election, the real question to ask is—is patriotism or nationalism the primary motivation for soldiers while fighting in battle?

Or, are there other factors that drive a soldier to overcome fear and face shelling and machine gun firing to accomplish his/ her mission? The subject is complex, and all armies across the world in the wake of major wars have carried out detailed studies to find an answer to this question. But mostly US military studies are available in the public domain.

What keeps a soldier going?

The Armed Forces, including in India, go through rigorous training and education to self-actualise and conform to military needs in a battle.

The military takes into account the fundamental individual needs as spelt out by American psychologist, Abraham Maslow—physiological, safety, belonging/love, self-esteem and self-actualisation—and ties them up with military needs—discipline, courage, tenacity, initiative and so on. Codified and enforceable rules, regulations and military law bridge the gap between the ideals of military character and individual shortcomings.

The American sociologist, Samuel Stouffer, documented the behaviour of the Second World W