Strategic Social Interaction Modules (SSIM)
Abstract
The Strategic Social Interaction Modules (SSIM) program improved military training to include the social interaction skills and abilities warfighters need for successful engagement with local populations. In the current and likely future operational environment, it is imperative to develop rapport with local leaders and civilians as their cooperation and consent will be necessary for successful operations. SSIM emphasized the foundational social skills necessary to achieve cultural understanding in any social setting and the skills necessary for successful interactions across different social groups. These core skills do not require soldiers to have knowledge of a specific culture prior to contact but emphasizes skills for orienting toward and discovering patterns of meaningful social behavior. SSIM developed the requisite training technology, including advanced gaming/simulation techniques, that incorporate new methods for practicing social agility in social encounters, as well as how to discover and adapt to unfamiliar culturally-specific conduct, manners, and practices. SSIM enhanced military effectiveness by enabling close collaborative relationships with local peoples and leaders.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2016
- Source ID
- 373e7df835c2cd5c381658a44f930792