Military carrier choice during the Covid-19 pandemic in Hungary

Covid-19 pandemic has changed availability of reasonable jobs. To avoid joblessness, many young adults selected military service in Hungary. The aim of this research was to study their motivation, their individual needs and the way they think about the military forces. In this study, half-structured, focus group interviews with standard questions have been qualitatively analyzed by applying the Grounded Theory (GT) method. Three levels of coding were applied: open (basic), axial and selective coding. This process resulted in fewer codes representing larger categories leading to a final concentrated overview of the interviews. Three selective codes (Enrollment, Pathfinding, Fulfillment), and many sub-codes were identified. We could establish that the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic for the military career-choice really can be detected in many individuals. The military force offers for them safe, predictable existence and career image, in which, in addition to continuous learning and development, teamwork and camaraderie provides major motivations.