Learning to own professional practice through character – The case of the junior British Army officer

ABSTRACT Using a theoretical framework combining the sociological concept of habitus and virtue ethics philosophy the article analyses 39 interviews with junior British Army officers and cadets to explore moral character development in the early years. Overall, with a focus on moral character, the article asks how these junior Army officers are exploring their own way in the practice in a complex and protracted process of learning and socialization. Once the officers have developed characters in synergy with the professional practice and its values this process may be described as owning professional practice. A premium is placed on practice experience which needs to be maximized for moral learning. Two assets are found among the sample for doing this: humility and a desire for close contact with experienced officers. It is further argued that once the practice is owned in the ways suggested, it can be ethically advanced through character.