Uncover the profound link between national history, collective memory, and military motivation. This comparative study offers unique insights into why officer cadets enlist in British and German forces. It analyzes how differing historical perceptions and societal values shape recruitment, exploring the pragmatic professionalism driving service. Essential for scholars and students of military sociology, defense studies, and the sociology of work, this book illuminates the intricate relationship between the past and professional commitment in international military contexts.