Religion and Other Cultural Variables in Modern Operational Environments

Accounting for religion and other cultural aspects of the operational environment continues to be a challenge for the U.S. military. The basis for this is scientific rationalism and the U.S. cultural preference to separate matters of government from matters of faith and culture. This monograph proposes that this American mindset inhibits the development of doctrine that addresses these factors therefore, it may prevent the understanding of future operational environments. According to The Joint Operational Environment JOE, The World through 2030 and Beyond, future conflicts are likely to be dominated by religious and cultural factors. In response to the first question, Are religious and cultural variables relevant in modern operational environments, the author presents case studies of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the Soviet-Afghan War, and U.S. involvement in Iraq. In response to the second question, How well does U.S. doctrine account for these variables, the author examines pre-Iraqi War operations and intelligence doctrine to show that military doctrine did not adequately address these areas. In response to the third question, What steps are necessary to account for religious and cultural factors in future operational environments, the author surveyed several theorists from both inside and outside the military establishment for ideas on how to incorporate these factors in future operational environments. The final portion of the monograph discusses recommendations that may increase future understanding of religious and cultural factors an institutional acknowledgement of religion and other cultural factors as key in modern operational environments, modifications to joint and service doctrine to account for these factors, and the establishment of a cultural contact center staffed by theologians and social science specialists who can provide timely and practical input on these factors to military forces or other governmental agencies.