TRAINING FOR CULTURE-CONTACT AND INTERACTION SKILLS
Abstract
Air Force participation in counterinsurgency (COIN) and pre-COIN missions requires a new emphasis in preparing the airman. Success in COIN depends upon the ability of the USAF individual to interact effectively with people in other societies. The cross-cultural training required differs markedly from the traditional Air Force stress on the operation and maintenance of hardware. Many USAF training missions abroad are short in duration and depend upon close, intensive interaction between the American advisor and his counterpart. These requirements make it necessary for the American to establish rapport quickly and to communicate efficiently with his counterpart. Up to the present it was assumed if the American were skilled in his job and in the language of the host country that with the correct motivation he could successfully carry out his mission. Such is not the case; skill is also required in the other person's customs, habits, taboos, mannerisms, and gestures. Traditionally, the American is prepared for these by briefings or lectures sometimes called area studies'. Unfortunately, knowledge about behavior does not guarantee skill in carrying out that behavior-knowing what to do is not the same as doing what you know. This report outlines a procedure for collecting in the field those cross-cultural behaviors most critical for the success of the advisory mission. A means of categorizing these behaviors for incorporation into a training program is described.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0611022
Entities
People
- Donald B. Haines