Military Depictions Of Power, Authority And Strength

I receive so much email from the military right now that I worry about becoming desensitized to the content. Well, I must not have become too desensitized, as I was shocked when I received an email advertising military motivational posters. I've never seen such crystal clear displays of how the military defines "power" (and "authority," bravery," "strength," and "patience").

Setting the obvious connections to combat aside, what consequences do these definitions have for how the military is run as an institution? What consequences do these definitions have for the people working inside that institution (those serving, and their families). What do these images say about our foreign policy, and our relationships with other countries and peoples in general?

Let's start with power.

Caption: "Power: The reward of one duty is the power to fulfill another. - George Elliot"
(isn't it odd they'd use a quote by George Elliot?)


Caption: "Bravery: It takes an extraordinary person to face danger and maintain composure."


Caption: "Strength: The process of directing one's scattered forces into one powerful channel."


Caption: "Authority: It is the strongest who prevail."


Caption: "Patience: If you have but one opportunity, make it count."