Islamic Cultural Sensitivity in the Marine Corps
Abstract
The United States Marine Corps must shift its approach to counter insurgency because Iraq is an increasing secular society, Marines are hypersensitive to Islamic cultures, and insurgents are exploiting this cultural sensitivity. Over-emphasizing strict avoidance of the most subtle cultural offense has degraded Marine operations in Iraq and is hindering the already-grudgingly slow rate of progress made since the war began. A more accurate depiction of Islamic culture in Iraq would reveal the importance of Marines establishing dominance. The unique operating environment of the three block war challenging the Marine Corps today is increasingly convoluted. While the nation has established and restablished its diplomacy and operating parameters, its current counter-insurgency doctrine remains flawed. The focus that has been placed on the operators? familiarity with the Islamic culture is unquestionably relevant. However, over-emphasizing sensitivity towards Muslims in combination with devaluing killing the enemy has resulted in the perception of ground forces being weak, easily manipulated, and hesitant.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 19, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA507843
Entities
People
- L. C. Day
Organizations
- Marine Corps University