ZAGREB, Nov 2 (Hina) - A significant majority of Croatian officers is dissatisfied with the image of their profession in society, according to a sociological research which also points to a disparity between the actual and the desired
degree of social prestige of their profession.
ZAGREB, Nov 2 (Hina) - A significant majority of Croatian officers
is dissatisfied with the image of their profession in society,
according to a sociological research which also points to a
disparity between the actual and the desired degree of social
prestige of their profession. #L#
The research, conducted in 2001 on 268 officers, excluding generals
and admirals, was part of a Science and Technology Ministry
project.
The majority of those included in the research falls between the
ranks of second lieutenant and lieutenant general, aged between 26
and 35. Ninety percent of them joined the Armed Forces by the end of
1991, 51.5 percent have secondary school qualifications, 25
percent two-year post-secondary school qualifications, and 19.8
percent a college education.
Of those interviewed, 82.1 percent believe the social standing of
their profession is below average, 41.8 see it as extremely low,
while 80.9 percent would like their profession to regarded as
highly as in western countries.
A great majority, 88.8 percent, believe the reputation of the
officer's profession has declined considerably since the end of the
Homeland War.
Asked about the level of concern at society's treatment of war
veterans and the army, 43.7 percent said they were very concerned,
36.6 percent were quite concerned, 13.4 were a little concerned,
while only 6.3 percent were not concerned at all.
As for society's attitude towards the army and print media
coverage, especially its focus on negative phenomena, for example
that the army is the biggest spender, records many incidents and
various excesses, and has unqualified personnel, is cause of great
concern among 36.9 and of considerable concern among 41.4 percent
of those interviewed.
Asked if Croatia's admission to NATO would improve the social
standing and reputation of Croatian officers, 42.9 percent
answered in the affirmative, while 4.5 percent were certain of it.
About 49 percent of interviewed officers is satisfied with their
job, while 31 percent said they were neither satisfied nor
dissatisfied. Those dissatisfied were 14.2 percent, 2.6 percent
were very dissatisfied, while only three percent were very
satisfied.
(hina) ha sb