Recently in a group chat, there evolved a curious query about Army kids and how they inadvertently get soaked in the spirit of regimentation, feelings of patriotism, bonhomie and assimilate so much that it becomes a way of life for them. Although, it's a default setting for them, still,they totally get accustomed to it and adapt naturally.
Another question that cropped up was that if they are so attuned to it, and serving the army is not a profession but a way of life, why it doesn't become their obvious career choice ? Why most of them land up in corporate jobs?
As the question itself is multifaceted, answer, I think, can be addressed by applying multi-pronged approach to the problem. One aspect to be discussed about is the main constituent ie Fauji kids.As in our society,we have different social strata and economic strata, in army also exist three different economic strata. The NCOs, the JCOs and the officers. Their pay-bands and authorizations dictate their economic, personal, professional and family living standards.Although, at organizational level, care is taken to provide the best of facilities in the field education, in form of Army schools, tutorials, coaching classes, awareness courses, lectures, information halls, internet/ computer courses equally to one and all irrespective of their father's rank. Extra-curricular activities,sports and games facilities in form of stadium, coaching for budding sports persons, golf coarse, libraries, gymnasiums etc are provided for everyone. But, the take off level of kids belonging to the NCOs families is lowest, followed by JCOs families. Major factor being not the lack of opportunities provided but the lack of knowledge to avail them due to less educated parents,especially mothers, who generally come from rural and low economic strata of the society where age old child rearing traditions are followed.
Even after having an exposure of cantonment environment and facilities while staying with the husband, they are unable to gain much insight into to larger picture of the fast moving world,as their stay is short and limited to few months depending upon peace posting of the spouse.During such exposures, they see the officers,their kids, their lifestyle and become in awe of them. For such kids joining the Army as an officer is the first preference and sometimes the ultimate aim. Kids from the middle strata have a better perspective of the life and the world around, Therefore, they work hard, choose careers which were not recently in their reach. there are some very exceptional kids who really get right opportunity and exposure at the right time and excel.
When Officers kids are being brought up, along with officer like qualities, which I need not elaborate upon, these kids get exposure to various other circumstances, environments, uncertainties, in form of multiple schools, teaching methods, syllabi, educators, friends, people, climates, and most of the times absence of father. Although kids from all strata of Army life share the same unpredictable environment and the facilities being provided by the formations are similar, but the take off level differs due to home environment, financial conditions, intellectual and education level of the parents, especially mother which is the sole constant in an Army kid's life. Officers kids basically being on top level of the pyramid get better deal in the bargain. All these factors play a very formative role in their personalities, generally resulting into a versatile, open minded, mature, adjusting, intellectual, rational, logical, yet emotional and caring person who knows the value of life, money and relationships. The inconsistent moves of life doesn't always make them unsteady, wobbly or fickle but may turn them into sturdy, robust, steadfast,resolute and tenacious human being. They are generally not scared of taking risks or trodding towards unexplored paths, like experimenting with new career options and not insecure about the outcome due to convenient accessibility to secure financial and emotional reinforcement.All the above mentioned qualities and factors, if get sublimated, impart them an excellent competitive edge over others. Therefore when it comes to choosing a career, they excel everywhere and choose the best.
If some kids get affected by the uncertainties and frequently unstable environment, they adapt well and still cope up with the adversities, come out of quandaries and dilemmas to rise and shine. In earlier days when not many professions were available, Army used to be the best option available which used to give them status, power and edge over commoners in the society as this used to be first choice of people belonging to high class society and nobles. There were third or fourth generation officers who proudly used to talk about their linage and regimentation. With changing times and fast changing social scenario, a process of osmosis seems to be taking place where, more boys from diverse strata of society are joining the Army and other options are being availed by Army kids in various other fields which are much more lucrative than Army in terms of financial betterment.
A commissioned officer is selected on basis of some qualities which form a solid foundation for further development, as Army trains the naive in its own way. Following orders of the superiors without applying own reasoning and logic is the first trait developed. Slowly rest of the traits are imparted. Command courses, various appointments at unit level give them training, experience and knowledge of handling various command and leadership issues, and handling decision making independently are imbibed. In officers kids these qualities pre-exist as they pick up these traits since birth and by the time they come of age they have already acquired most of these qualities.They could be so well embellished and bedecked as successful officers with impeccable virtues. But it doesn't happen anymore.
It's a famous saying that in Army you have everything except for money. This saying which is a gospel truth, has come to play a larger role when it comes to choosing Army as a Career. As an Army kid, they have experienced Army as a way of life. They are always provided with the best of facilities, necessities but, not luxuries. Could it be that void, chasm, that hiatus that leads them away to pursue other careers? Or may be they have already experienced this way of life which was default option, and want a change, a diversification,a permutation which gives them personal satisfaction of carving their own niche in this universe. They are acculturated into the Army but joining other professions doesn't make them less patriotic. There are some who love to join as adolescents, and there are still some who revert back to the parental profession after finishing their professional degrees. But still majority of them have wavered away to greener pastures.They might be missing out on the bonhomie and the close knit ties that exist in this wonderful organisation, but, one can't complain, as that's what they have chosen!
"Kabhi kisi ko mukkammal jahan nahi milta,
Kabhi zameen to kabhi aasman nahin milta"
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