CHOICE AND COMMITMENT TO A MILITARY CAREER

This article first considers a theoretical framework for understanding the individual's motivations governing attachment to an organization, and pursuing organizational careers for a prolonged period of time. This theoretical model is then applied in an analysis of the military as an occupational and organizational framework, in an attempt to identify the characteristic features and motivations of those who are likely to select a military career.

Outlining the possible patterns of motives of those having a greater propensity for remaining permanently in the military may assist the army in early identification and intensive development of personnel predicted to develop commitment to the military, and consequently select it as a long-term occupational career. This human potential may serve as an excellent nucleus around which the entire military could develop over continued and preset periods of time. It also has to be stressed that the subject is deliberately treated here in general terms, and may be influenced by the Israeli military model.