Leading marines study guide 6:
operational culture
BELIEF SYSTEM - ANS-All culture groups have a shared set of beliefs that unite individual
members.
Beliefs are learned and may originate from many sources: family, traditions, education, religion,
ideologies, and even personal experience. Although some beliefs may vary among individuals,
shared belief systems can be very powerful, affecting behavior and influencing the way people
perceive their world.
Belief systems have a variety of features such as:
•Religion
•History and collective memory
•Folklore, icons, and heroes
•Symbols and communications
•Norms, mores, and taboos
COULTURAL AWARENESS - ANS-Military cultural awareness is defined as a knowledge of
cultural factors and a comprehension of their impact on the planning and conduct of military
operations.
Cultural awareness:
•Reduces battlefield friction and can improve a unit's ability to accomplish its mission.
•Gives insight into the intent of various actors within our battlespace and the way these actors
interact within groups.
•Supports planners in developing centers of gravity to ascertain critical vulnerabilities.
•Assists in campaign planning and the proper allocation of resource
CULTURAL STUDIES - ANS-The objective of cultural studies is to achieve the ability to
effectively communicate our message throughout the levels of operation to our target audience.
The Marine Corps Small Wars Manual, published in the 1940s, specifically states that Marines
must be mindful of three fundamental considerations:
•Social customs such as class distinctions, dress, and similar items should be recognized and
receive due consideration.
operational culture
BELIEF SYSTEM - ANS-All culture groups have a shared set of beliefs that unite individual
members.
Beliefs are learned and may originate from many sources: family, traditions, education, religion,
ideologies, and even personal experience. Although some beliefs may vary among individuals,
shared belief systems can be very powerful, affecting behavior and influencing the way people
perceive their world.
Belief systems have a variety of features such as:
•Religion
•History and collective memory
•Folklore, icons, and heroes
•Symbols and communications
•Norms, mores, and taboos
COULTURAL AWARENESS - ANS-Military cultural awareness is defined as a knowledge of
cultural factors and a comprehension of their impact on the planning and conduct of military
operations.
Cultural awareness:
•Reduces battlefield friction and can improve a unit's ability to accomplish its mission.
•Gives insight into the intent of various actors within our battlespace and the way these actors
interact within groups.
•Supports planners in developing centers of gravity to ascertain critical vulnerabilities.
•Assists in campaign planning and the proper allocation of resource
CULTURAL STUDIES - ANS-The objective of cultural studies is to achieve the ability to
effectively communicate our message throughout the levels of operation to our target audience.
The Marine Corps Small Wars Manual, published in the 1940s, specifically states that Marines
must be mindful of three fundamental considerations:
•Social customs such as class distinctions, dress, and similar items should be recognized and
receive due consideration.
