The Importance of Cultural Knowledge for Today's Warrior-Diplomats

In conducting the Global War on Terrorism GWOT, working with coalition partners, and projecting influence worldwide, the Armed Forces of the United States will continue to be sent to the far corners of the earth to perform wide-ranging missions such as stability operations, nation building, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance. These types of operations all require competencies far beyond the traditional warfighting skills. All leaders in the military, whether at the tactical, operational, or strategic level, need training, education, and new skill sets to function as warrior-diplomats. If cultural knowledge is critical for the U.S. armed forces to both defeat adversaries and work successfully with allies, what is being done and what can be done by the U.S. Army to address this shortcoming This paper shows how a lack of cultural knowledge has hindered U.S. military and diplomatic efforts, identifies gaps in current Army methods of providing cultural knowledge, and reviews historical examples of the value of cultural knowledge in military operations. Following a survey of cultural and language training programs currently implemented in the Army, the author concludes with recommendations for developing and employing a more culturally adept force.