Training, Developing, and Assessing Cross-Cultural Competence in Military Personnel

This report provides information and recommendations regarding how the Army might train, develop and assess cross-cultural competence of Soldiers. Findings are presented in four main sections. The first section discusses the importance of cross-cultural competence to mission accomplishment and describes two facets of cross-cultural competence: cultural learning and cultural agility. Next, methods for developing and sustaining these facets are provided. These methods include an overall learning system that blurs the lines between operational and institutional learning experiences, as well as more specific techniques and practices for cultural learning and cultural agility. The third section discusses the importance of assessing cross-cultural competence and addresses the questions of who and what should be assessed and how assessments might be conducted. The final section of the report summarizes recommendations regarding training, development, and assessment and highlights key resource needs, anticipated challenges, and next steps.