Superstitions of the Military
Knowing is Half the Battle
The unpredictable nature of warfare fosters the emergence of superstitious beliefs among the military. Superstitions enable military members to express their apprehension towards situations of chance, demonstrate the effectiveness of such beliefs within the group, and provide distinct group identities. Superstitions manifest themselves in various types of text, to include: material, customary, and verbal. Through the examination of personal narratives, historical analyses, and folklore literature, this website aims to demonstrate how military superstitions are used, understood, and created by service members as a means to apply agency to uncertain circumstances, tighten the bonds between members, and forge unique identities.
Courting A Mistress
Explore the ways military members navigate their mortality and attempt to direct fate.
Elite Membership
Investigate how sub groups within the military identify themselves through superstition.
