Final answer:
Soldiers undergo basic training to integrate into military life, adapting to new rules and bonding with fellow soldiers. Historical examples, such as the 101st Airborne Division escorting the Little Rock Nine, highlight the military's role in civic matters.
Step-by-step explanation:
Institutions like the military play a significant role in shaping the identities and lives of their members. Soldiers undergo a transformative process during basic training, where they must abandon their old selves and adapt to the new rules and culture of the military. This includes keeping their living areas inspection-ready, learning to march in formation, and showing respect to superiors by saluting. This process of assimilation can also be seen in historical contexts.
For instance, during the desegregation of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957, the 101st Airborne Division was called upon to escort the Little Rock Nine, ensuring their safety and right to education amidst intense opposition. This was a moment when soldiers intersected with civilian schooling in the United States' history.
In different eras and cultures, the relationship between education, military service, and society varies. In some nations, compulsory military service shapes the educational trajectory of students, underscoring the strong connection between military training and national identity, such as in ancient Rome or during World War I with the British 'pals' units.