Revisiting Military as a Total Institution: The Case of Conscript Service in Estonia

This article revisits the concept of the military as a total institution through the lens of conscript service in Estonia. Employing a longitudinal qualitative methodology, it captures the dynamic experiences of conscripts. The findings reveal that tensions arise as conscripts face the totality of their service, leading to short-term situational negotiations and long-term goal adaptations. The study underscores the significant role of transitions between military and civilian life, with these movements serving as key moments of reflection and reshaping conscripts’ perspectives on their service. The findings show that the military has begun paying more attention to individual life courses and aligning its practices with civilian workplaces. While these adaptations align with societal expectations and aim to maintain the institutional legitimacy, they also contribute to the normalization of the military organization, potentially eroding the appeal of conscript service.