Training and recruitment

Early Warfare Prior to the Middle Ages (c500-1065)

Warrior culture predominated. Young men were expected to become proficient in weapons use and physical combat.
Individual prowess was highly prized. The most successful warriors earned respect and status in their communities.
There were usually no formal training academies; instruction was often passed down from father to son, or between members of a community.

Feudal levies provided many of a lord or king’s soldiers. These were farmers and workers who were expected to serve in battle when required.
Knights received professional training often from a young age, mastering weapons like swords and lances, and learning to fight in heavy armour on horseback.
Large battles were relatively rare. Many ‘wars’ were actually composed of sieges, skirmishes and raids.

Militaries began employing professional soldiers. These troops were trained in the use of firearms like muskets.
Drill and discipline became more important as firearm tactics required tight formations and well-executed manoeuvres.
Mercenaries could be hired for specific campaigns. Recruitment focused on finding experienced soldiers.

Conscription became a common practice in many countries during periods of war, rapidly increasing army numbers.
Training focused on instilling discipline and training soldiers to operate and maintain increasingly complex weapons.
The increasing scale of war required whole societies to mobilise for war. This led to creation of organisations like war offices to manage recruitment and training.

Massive conscription continued through the world wars, leading to the need for rapid training of large numbers of recruits.
The professionalisation of armies increased post-WWII. This involved a longer, more intensive period of training for recruits.
The development of complex systems and technologies led to a need for specialised training. Soldiers might be trained as tank operators, pilots, communications specialists, etc.
Recent decades have seen the rise of asymmetric warfare. Training often involves preparing for situations with non-uniformed combatants, urban combat and peacekeeping duties.