MILITARY MOTIVATION – In a Nutshell

MILITARY MOTIVATION – In a Nutshell

A Spoof

By

VIKRAM KARVE

MOTIVATION THEORIES

If you have studied “Management” – you will be aware of various “Motivation Theories” which you can use to “motivate” employees working in the civilian industry/corporate sector/offices.

A few of these “Employee Motivation Theories” which I have heard of are listed below:

1. Maslow Hierarchy of Needs Theory

2. ERG Motivation Theory Alderfer

3. McClelland Achievement and Acquired Needs Theory

4. Stacey Adams Equity Theory

5. Herzberg Hygiene Factors and Motivators Theory

6. Vroom Expectancy Motivation Theory

7. Hackman and Oldham Job Characteristics Model

If you surf the internet – you will find a deluge of information of “motivation” and “motivation theories”.

Ostensibly – these same civilian motivation theories are applicable to the military as well.

That is what was told to me at the numerous “Defence Management” courses I attended from time to time as a part of my “Officership Training”.

However – what I observed during my long military career, in the navy, was totally different.

In the Military – FEAR is used as the prime motivator.

In fact – Military Law and Rules/Regulations have been framed in such a way as to inspire fear in the hearts of those subject to these laws/rules/regulations.

You don’t believe me?

Just read ‘The Navy Act, 1957’

Most Chapters/Sections of this Act are devoted to discipline, punishments, court-martial etc – and – if any aspirant reads ‘The Navy Act’ – he/she may think twice before signing up.

(To be fair to the Navy – I remember that it was mentioned in our appointment letter that we should obtain a copy of The Navy Act, 1957 – and we were advised to read it to familiarize ourselves about the Navy before joining – they had even given details of Law Book Stores where it would be available)

Well – I am not familiar with Army and Air Force Acts/Rules/Regulations – but I can guess – that just like Navy Act/Regulations – they too have been designed to inspire fear – because – probably – the Military believes that “Fear is the Key to Discipline”.

“FEAR” MOTIVATION

As we discussed earlier – in the Military – FEAR is used as the ‘Prime Motivator’.

The Rules/Regulations ensure that a military officer is permanently under the fear of “disciplinary action” – from the day he joins the military – till he retires from service and becomes a civilian again.

However – there are other “fears” employed to “motivate” you at various stages of your military career.

A Cadet is “motivated” by the “fear of physical punishment”.

Any “mistake” committed by a cadet is “rewarded” by various kinds of physical/corporal punishments.

Once a cadet passes out of the academy and becomes an officer – he enjoys a relatively good life – till he approaches the select rank “promotion zone”.

As he spends these crucial years of his military career – doing “criteria appointments/courses” – the officer is overcome by “career fear” – and “fear of supersession” becomes the main motivator.

Suppose the officer gets promoted – and remains in the “rat race” – this “fear of supersession” will continue to “motivate” him till such time he finally gets passed over for promotion.

Once an officer has been passed over for promotion – the “fear of supersession” ceases to be a “motivator”.

Now – after supersession – the superseded officer can be “motivated” by the “fear of transfer” or “posting fear”.

This last “motivator” can be effectively used till the officer finally retires from service.

EPILOGUE

Of course – there are some “mavericks” who are beyond motivation.

As Cadets – they are willing to undergo any amount of physical hardships – they are least afraid of punishments – and they are not bothered about restrictions/relegations.

Later – as Officers – they don’t care two hoots about promotion and posting – yes – I have seen officers who are not bothered about promotion – and they are prepared to go anywhere on posting.

These “fearless” individuals who are beyond “motivation” are the happy officers who truly enjoy every moment of their military life.

VIKRAM KARVE

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