However, through many experiences over a thirtyfiveyear military and academic career, i have learned to celebrate the rich diversity of human. America is a gathering of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and one place you will see it all blend together is in todays military. This trend, combined with the younger demographic of the military in comparison with the population at large, leads to the religiousaffiliation percentages reflected in rips. Jdec members developed the national guard diversity strategic plan to provide a roadmap to attain the highest state of military readiness with a more adaptable, culturally competent and innovative force. The globalization of economies and the migration has. Benefits, challenges, and the required managerial tools 2 advantages. Military culture is unique in that it is defined by its organizational structure, rules and framework, which selfregulate its members on a daily basis. Team composition, whether its a military unit, business team, or other type of group, is an important aspect of performance. T0087 culture matters, the peace corps crosscultural.
A variety of genomic markers place the demographic origin of h. Strategic options for managing diversity in the us army office of. For the first half of my adult life, i was immersed in the homogenous cultures of smalltown america and air force flying squadrons. The va is responsible for providing vital services such as healthcare, benefits.
A good starting point for valuing diversity is to view as different from us, and as everyone. The diversity of americas army is a source of power and influence, especially in the political aspects of war and competition. Veterans, who may have been in the military for a short time in the distant past, often hold the military as their primary source of identity. Cultural competence is a vital component of many missions in todays military. Request pdf military culture and multicultural diversity among military service members the goal of the first part of this chapter is to understand the uniqueness of the military as a culture. The united states ended the draft for military service in 1973, transitioning to the allvolunteer force that exists today. Teams with a diverse composition tend to perform better over time.
No employer in the world is as diverse as the armed forces. The ccd aids in the transformation of future air and space force leaders while creating a culture and climate where diversity. This article explores the nature of this unique culture, which is often. Diversity makes military stronger, dod panel says u. The american school counselor association asca position statement on cultural diversity emphasizes that school counselors should work for the success of all students from all cultures asca. All cadets receive cross cultural training, and select cadets deploy to locations around the world for experiential cultural awareness training. The army draws its people from a diverse america a nation that continues. In addition, cultural diversity helps us recognize and respect ways of being that are not necessarily our own, so that as we interact with others we can build bridges to trust, respect, and understanding across cultures. Finally, this article presents a case study that illustrates a professional school counselors culturally competent approach to working with a military student. Apr 12, 2011 the paradox of low biological diversity and high cultural diversity among humans can be used to provide us with a basis for considering the origins of communitybased cultural diversity. This trend, combined with the younger demographic of the military in comparison with the population at large, leads. With a diverse population of more than 320 million, its citizens represent just about every nation and culture on the planet, its military is no different. S military reflects the youthful composition of the forces.
As we celebrate african american history month, let us remember the contributions black men and women have made to our military. We discuss how cultural diversity is perceived among both organizations. We must be prepared to recruit, develop and retain the best of america s diverse talent pool. A good starting point for valuing diversity is to view as different from us, and as everyone people about whom we cant make assumptions. Army war college faculty and students attended a mandatory training session on the recent department of defense policy regarding open service by transgender people. The military values philosophy is one of many factors that set members of the united states military apart from their civilian counterparts. This report affirms that the military must foster a diverse and inclusive workplace and culture if we are to recruit the best talent and develop the most effective force possible. Exploring the armys cultural and ethnical diversity with a seasoned nco. But what does diversity mean, and why is it so important.
Managing diversity is a key component of effective people management in the workplace black enterprise 2001. Wearing the uniform of the united states armed forces brings a collaboration and unity among people of different backgrounds, all working toward the goal of protecting freedom. As a starting point, the defining characteristics of military culture is discussed and includes the chain of command, military norms, and military identity. Cultural awareness training program united states army. The culture, climate and diversity ccd mission is to serve as the u.
One of its fundamental sources of power is the diversity of its personnel, which includes 1. Recognize the concept of culture cultural awareness 2. Military diversity is a very important issue today, and you can learn more about diversity in the military here at. Cultural awareness training begins during precommissioning training. Transgender troops are fighting to preserve their right to serve. Dod diversity and inclusion strategic plan 2012 dod diversity and inclusion strategic plan 2012. Diverse cultural backgrounds embraced in military service. Introduction culture is a word with many shades of meaning. Culture, climate and diversity united states air force. This plan is required by public law 112239, the ndaa for fy section 519 and outlines diversity. Military culture and multicultural diversity among. In truth, however, the us army has routinely operated in unfamiliar cultural environments throughout its long history.
Cultural competence enables one to further a mission, save resources, and save lives. Management institute deomi, has supported the us dod for nearly 20 years, and was. Office of diversity management and equal opportunity. Defense department officials said diversity in the military makes the force stronger, during a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender panel discussion at the national defense university. We believe in the importance of promoting quality early learning environments for children that are culturally and developmentally appropriate.
Nov 21, 2016 throughout its 240year history, the united states has been known as the great american melting pot. Diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in the armed. In order to set some goals related to building relationships between cultures, resolving differences, or building a diverse coalition, it helps to have a vision of the kind of cultural community you hope for. This interactive course developed by the department of veterans affairs and department of defense illustrates how core competencies related to military culture improve therapeutic alliance and support effective treatment planning for military patients. Years of academic research shows that diversity and inclusivity of both a range of cultural backgrounds and genders ensure employees, and in this case soldiers, feel valued and promote. Notwithstanding these difficulties, the diversity of the united states contains a powerful message about the potential for different people to come together in common purpose. By secretary of the army eric fanningseptember 30, 2016. To support efforts to train and develop military personnel for the sociocultural component of operations, this research aimed to identify learning outcomes and methods for developing. Women have been making gains but remain underrepresented. The objective of this lesson is to understand how increased cultural awareness enables individuals to adapt effectively in cross cultural environments in order to enhance mission effectiveness. As you think about diversity, it may be helpful to envision the kind of cultural community you want to build. The military culture is one in which personal privacy is relinquished meyer, 2015. Cultural diversity the learning child team of unlextension is committed to providing researchbased and culturally responsive information that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve.
Each branch of the united states military has its own set of core values that the members. Strength in diversity article the united states army. The army diversity roadmap illustrates ongoing efforts to close the diversity gap within the army and prepare our nations youth to be future leaders. Additionally, the corporate world already widely recognizes diversity as a necessity for recruitment and retention and the military should as well. The institution, the culture, and the people formulation of general defense policy and policy related to all matters of direct and primary concern to the dod department of defense and for the execution of approved policy. The second part of the chapter presents an overview of diversity elements e. Cultural diversity also makes our country stronger and better able to compete in the new global economy. Air force academy strategic leader in structuring a shared vision of diversity and inclusion. Kirsten gillibrand of new york hauled in marine commandant general robert neller, lambasting him for the redhot marines united internet photosharing scandal.
It provides a method for helping military commanders, staffs, and trainers engage successfully in any type of operation with an emphasis on postconflict stability operations. Gender demographics for active duty, air national guard, and reserve components. In addition to providing equality, diversity gives the military more strength by ensuring that it reflects the very same american population its called to defend. Kirsten gillibrand of new york hauled in marine commandant general robert neller, lambasting him for the. A guide for professional school counselors school counselors must be knowledgeable about military culture in order to help military students and their families in a culturally competent manner. Total force military demographics office of diversity. In addition, greater diversity among ranks tends to lead to higher innovation and quicker thinkingboth important for the military on and off the field. Request pdf military culture and multicultural diversity among military. Diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in the armed services congressional research service 2 forces.
Culture matters the peace corps cross cultural workbook c peace corps information collection and exchange publication no. Do you consider that it involves understanding the various cultures in the united states as well as the cultures of foreign countries. Military culture and multicultural diversity among military. A brief military culture overview grafton county, nh. Conversely, a lack of cultural competence may bring about challenges to mission completion, requirement for more resources, waste of resources, and destruction of lives. Mission mission is to maintain army as a model of diversity by providing a culture that values diversity and inclusion and an environment free from unlawful discrimination and prohibited behaviors, to maximize the readiness potential of every soldier, civilian and family member, through policy development, practice, workforce analysis and outreach. With the right approach diversity can actually increase the militarys standards.
The armed forces pride themselves on being leaders in diversity. Pdf in a comparative way, this article analyses the dimensions of cultural diversity. S military the united states army is a gigantic institute with an international presence. Benefits, challenges, and the required managerial tools 3 where every member must listen and have the chance to speak, are good ways to create dialogues. Tags gays in the military lgbt law, military culturediversity, white housepentagon congress shares blame for photosharing scandal on march 15, sen. Culture is the lens with which we evaluate everything around us. People from diverse cultures bring language skills, new ways of thinking, creative solutions to difficult problems and negotiating skills. Office for diversity, equity, and inclusion odei is an organization aligned under the office of the under secretary of defense personnel and readiness that develops and executes diversity management and equal opportunity policies and programs affecting active duty and reserve component military personnel, and dod civilian employees. Global war on terrorism is now known, is the cultural environment in which it is being fought. We speak different languages and have different customs. But even today, although it has become part of the. Diversity training remains an important priority and post continues to partner with the simon wiesenthal museum of tolerance to offer a variety of tools for tolerance programs designed for all levels of law enforcement personnel. Each branch of the united states military has its own set of core values that the members of that branch are expected to live by. Military culture and multicultural diversity among military service.
Integrating and engaging veterans in the workforce national. Because of this cultural attribute, veterans may distrust healthcare providers based on their experiences with. We expect your full organizational and individual commitment and participation in the army diversity roadmap. Overview of us air force military personnel officer and enlisted based on race, ethnicity, and. Cultural diversity and information and communication impacts. Cultural diversity, communication, learning, cultural stratifications 1. Out of all employers in the world, the army is considered the most diverse, even above walmart. Military version 2 open pdf 530 kb american youth are more religiously diverse than their elders in terms of both nontraditional religions and nonbelieving, and religious diversity in the u. Jan 25, 2018 subcultures, including those of different ranks, services, and occupations, can be a large part of the patients military cultural identity. An introduction to culture and diversity in the workplace 2.
If asked about diversity, i would have said i was colorblind. Training, developing, and assessing crosscultural competence. Stephen butler, cochair of the businesshigher education forum, believes diversity is an invaluable competitive asset robinson 2002. The united states benefits when it can draw a diverse set of talent who want to serve in the military. Pdf a brief introduction to the military workplace culture. Benefits include improved performance and productivity that will. Jan 25, 2018 the second part of the chapter presents an overview of diversity elements e. In addition to providing equality, diversity gives the military more strength by ensuring that it reflects the very. This report is intended to support congressional oversight of dods diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity programs, policies, and management for uniformed personnel. At the time, the active component of the military comprised 2. Furthermore, this diversity makes our country a more interesting place to live.
The phrase cultural diversity can also refer to having different cultures respect each others differences. These values define how the service members live their lives, make decis ions both on and off the battle field, as well as overcome dai ly challenges and adversity. The institution, the culture, and the people acknowledgement the author would like to thank pam woll of human priorities for her invaluable assistance in the creation of this document, and specifically for the development of the list of clinical implications found in the appendix. Pdf the importance of understanding military culture. Integrating and engaging veterans in the workforce can add substantial value to an organization. The differences between military and civilian cultures. From the first day that a new recruit enters into military service these values are introduced and then taught and enforced on a daily basis. Abstract excerpt this report starts by giving an overview of recent research on diversity and organizational management to demonstrate why organizations value diversity and what the findings on diversity mean in a military context. Educate and train all personnel on the importance of diversity, including mutual respect, thus promoting an air force culture that. Chu, former undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. Last year, i wrote a blog titled the benefits of building a diverse workforce, in which i highlighted how diversity has been a cornerstone of success for the u. The diversity of our people is a source of strength for the army. In the past, ethnographers in the united states used to refer to our country as a. Thus, in its universal declaration on cultural diversity, approved in paris in 2001 specifically as a reaction opposed to the expansion of u.
Language the first area of military culture explored in this article is language, which is a visible, surfacelevel aspect. Diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in the armed services. Understanding a culture is related to understanding the behavioral norms of the people within the culture. In addition to providing equality, diversity gives the military more strength by ensuring that it reflects the very same american population its called to defend dr. Managers should implement policies such as mentoring programs to provide associates access to information and opportunities. As our nation becomes more diverse, the army will have increasing opportunities to bring new ideas and expanded capabilities to the mission. Sep 30, 2016 americas diversity is our armys strength. Air force commanders guide to diversity and inclusion rand. Our nations strength is in our diversity and the military must be no exception. This statistic shows the distribution of activeduty enlisted women and men in the u. Military cultural competency training pdf document. The california national guard joint diversity executive council jdec is a body designated to serve as a working advisory group to the adjutant general and other leaders in the california military department cmd, which include offices and agencies that contribute to the diversity management policiesprinciples of our organization.
When you think of cultural diversity what do you think of. Diversity describes the degree to which there are differences among a group, unit, or team. Americas diversity is our armys strength united states army. Military culture and workplace are areas of interest for researchers across disciplines. Diversity roadmap includes all members of our armysoldiers, civilians and families. Armed forces are highly trained and ready to respond at a. This plan is a priority for army leaders, commands and all of our organizations and personnel. To support efforts to train and develop military personnel for the socio cultural component of operations, this research aimed to identify learning outcomes and methods for developing. Michael cost, 100th missile defense brigade public affairs nco february 19, 2009. There remain deep and lingering anxieties about diversity military and civilian leaders should confront this cultural pathology head on.
By wayne jones october 11, 2017 the united states military is a formidable power that has defended this nation since its inception. But, we still had a long way to go back then in fully utilizing the strength we find in diversity. We can help you learn about military diversity issues and how they have been dealt. The 201217 department of defense diversity and inclusion strategic plan refers to diversity as a strategic imperative 2012, 3. Exploring the armys cultural and ethnical diversity with a. Military operations fellow project report summary, united states institute of peace 8 june 2006. Understanding the diversity within the us armed forces is clinically relevant for. The army consists of individuals from a vast number of races, religions, and national origins. The right of all military personnel to participate in and benefit from programs and activities for which they are qualified. Tags gays in the militarylgbt law, military culturediversity, white housepentagon congress shares blame for photosharing scandal on march 15, sen. Past concerns, the present situation and what history tells us the views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of aspa as an organization.
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