Connections

Culture is defined in various ways. It often depends on an indi­vidual’s experiences, the associated era, and societal norms and values. The various definitions indicate that culture is a contextually dependent concept. It is something by which the identity of a person, group, commu­nity, minority, organization, or nation can be recognized. Schools, as spe­cial educational institutions, have their own specific cultures. Each school’s cul­ture may be defined as its way of life and work, the influence of tradi­tion, and the behavior of those attending which includes the teachers and all of its employees. Military organizations, which are some of the oldest and most prominent institutions, are specific working environments with a dis­tinctive culture. Joining the armed forces involves giving up part of one’s private life in order to become a soldier, a noncommissioned officer (NCO) or an officer. When a person enters a military school system, signif­icant life changes occur, with the acceptance of different forms of per­sonal, social, and professional activities. This article analyzes the Dr. Franjo Tuđman Cro­atian Defense Academy education system to identify the dis­tinctive char­acteristics of a military school culture.