EN
Habits are a peculiar component of culture, which currently have more functions in society. The function to identify is among the identification which classifies an individual as a member of “his/her” group, defines him or her and serves as an instrument for differentiation. The functions are an important element in the construction of a feeling of pride on the membership in a given group. The study submits a view of the specific realm of funeral habits and military funeral ceremonies within the military community with focus on the description of the current form of these habits in the environment of the Armed Forces of the Slovakian Republic. It introduces the basic formal means that are used in this environment in the case of a soldier´s death. The author observes how standards and rules are applied. She searches for an answer to the question whether there is a space in this strict environment hampered by norms to undertake spontaneous activities, not defined in the rules, related to funeral ceremonies and farewells, or other specific expressions that are part of life of this socio-professional group. The study pays attention to specific types of ritual activities, such as ramp ceremony and welcome ceremony, the theme of soldiers - suicides, and the ratio of religious funeral ceremonies in the military environment.