Romanov Nikolai N.

The article presents the results of a long-term sociological study of the cadets’ motivation to serve in one of the most dangerous military specialties - piloting army aviation. The traditional institutional structure of military service has been showing signs of infiltration by market mechanisms since the second part of the 20th century, which has had a detrimental impact on professional conduct of the servicemen. Several sociological surveys were used to identify long-term trends in the shifting social base and motivations of future pilots. The study showed an increase in the average age of applicants, the educational status of their families, and a decline in the number of military dynasties over the past twenty years. Maintaining intergenerational continuity of traditions and corporate foundations in the military profession will assist in stabilizing the number of military dynasties’ continuers. Pragmatic motives for choosing a military profession are replaced by non-material values. The Special Military Operation increased the conviction among the cadets in the social significance of their profession, as well as the importance of patriotic motivation.