Insights from the Marine Corps Organizational Culture Research Project: Alcohol
Abstract
When discussing the broad topics of leadership, cohesion, and gender bias, Marines talked about alcohol a lot. While not surprising, given the strongly held beliefs about Marines relationship with alcohol, the ways Marines discussed alcohol and used alcohol-specific language present a much more complex relationship. In this report, we examine the following themes: 1. Marine collective identity as we are drinkers contested by stories of disappointment and other narratives of self as Marine in relation to alcohol 2. Marines use of alcohol-specific language to reference cohesion building practices in informal spaces and to indicate bad behavior, offering two visions of the intersection of alcohol and Marine behavior 3. Marine perception of specific alcohol-related issues: a. The safety brief more a leadership self-protection tool than an effective way to inform individual behavior b. The expected challenges with alcohol when dealing with the immature Marine demographic and the needed engaged, compassioned leadership response c. The illegality of alcohol-related behaviors and the leadership challenges they present d. The sex and rank considerations in informal spaces, as described through alcohol specific language The diversity of individual perspectives on alcohol and how it nests within Marine identity demonstrate a more flexible stance on alcohols place in Marines individual conception of self than in the collectively held belief and offers an alternative, more balanced understanding of the role of alcohol in Marine lived experience. Deeper and broadened analysis into these themes may offer opportunities to evolve how Marines and the Marine Corps think and talk about and interact with alcohol as well may provide institutional opportunities to refine and create policies, practices, and narratives to shape the future force.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 18, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1091445
Entities
People
- Erika Tarzi
- Kerry Fosher
Organizations
- Center for Advanced Operational Culture Learning