What is military culture? The metaphor of an iceberg has been used to describe various race and ethnic cultures, and fits for military culture as well. It is said that 90% of culture is hidden below the waterline. Some of what identifies men and women as members of the military is readily apparent, above the waterline.
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Above the waterline are aspects of a culture that are explicit, visible, and easily taught. Some of what identifies men and women as members of the military are readily apparent or above the waterline: uniforms, medals, salutes, ranks, and ceremonies.
At the waterline is a transition zone where the observer has to be more alert, the area where implicit understanding becomes talked about and where ethos is codified into creed. This level of military culture includes the Service creeds, the core values, and the oath of office.
Some of what identifies Service members and Veterans as belonging to the military culture is not readily apparent and exists below the waterline. This level includes the hidden aspects of culture are not taught directly: discipline, teamwork, self-sacrifice, fighting spirit, loyalty, warrior values, warrior beliefs, warrior ethos.