Blog #6

The American military draws from the principles of numerous ancient civilization, perhaps the most prominent being Ancient Sparta. Their civilization was the pinnacle of a warrior society with the central focus being making fighters and winning wars. By taking a closer look at the Spartans, it becomes apparent that their military success was dependent on a strict ethical code, crucial training and development, and effective tactics and strategies. If we emulate certain aspects of their warrior-based culture, our military could benefit, especially at an individual level.

The concept of the warrior is most relevant for modern military forces in special warfare and infantry. However, this is not to say that there is nothing to be learned from the Spartans if one does not belong to one of these two areas. Every individual in the military has sworn themselves to a higher cause and will likely face the possibility of death in their respective service. With this knowledge, it may be helpful to keep in mind the practices and teachings of the Spartan military, as their soldiers epitomized honor, courage and commitment. Similarly, members of the Navy are expected to uphold these virtues, as they are the Navy’s core values. By studying how Sparta was able to employ such a disciplined military, we can be better equipped to instill similar virtues in our subordinates.

From a young age, Spartan men were raised in a demanding military environment where personal honor was strongly emphasized. They were taught loyalty, honesty, courage, and other attributes of admirable officers. One notable quote from Spartan society was “Come back with your shield – or on it.” This was typically a war cry of soldiers’ mothers who wished for their sons to die valiantly in battle rather than return home. The quote exemplifies the dedication, resiliency, and selflessness Spartan soldiers were expected to uphold in combat. They embraced the reality that they were only small instruments who collectively were able to achieve the worthwhile goals of the state through teamwork and sacrifice.

Although it is not possible nor entirely moral to replicate Spartan society, there is much to be learned from the way they trained their military. One main lesson aforementioned is the importance of a strong moral foundation. Another that can be drawn is the selection of their warriors. Instead of expanding their forces by allowing the entirety of the Spartan population into the army, they only chose the finest fighters to form the ranks of the Spartan military. This process was extended over a period of several years of training and was extremely selective. The Spartans were known for fighting with numbers far inferior to their enemies and still remaining victorious.

The real benefits of studying Ancient Sparta occur at an individual level, where one can begin to learn the characteristics of a warrior and emulate those traits and virtues. The concept of the warrior applies to every member of the military and the Spartan soldier is one of the best models from ancient times. By upholding consistent moral values and actively demonstrating loyalty to country, making use of one’s knowledge of Ancient Spartan military can be useful in the fleet.

Cameron Douglas

525 Words