Unity in Unison: The Challenges of Integration vs. Assimilation and the Issue of Othering
In the dynamic world of military operations, the integration of civilians into military organizations has become a pressing concern. The lack of trust between military leaders and civilians, if left unaddressed, can transform skepticism into dysfunction.
One key area of focus is the mindset shift required to effectively integrate civilians. The military needs to rethink its approach, viewing the inclusion of civilians not as an assimilation process, but as a means to enrich and diversify its workforce.
The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), with its workforce split between 74% civilians and 26% military members, is already devoting significant time and energy to creating workforce integration. However, the 2022 Defense Business Board report found that civilian development is not seen as a priority within the DoD culture.
The "Rethinking Civ-Mil" series offers strategies to address this issue. These strategies focus on combating the cultural phenomenon of "othering," which creates divisions between military and civilian identities. Strategies include fostering expansive solidarity and capacious grief, using humor and satire as tools, creating spaces for shared identities beyond stereotypes, and supporting civilian participation via active civic engagement frameworks.
These strategies aim to build inclusive cultural practices that reduce separation, foster identification across military-civilian lines, and leverage shared human and professional experiences to integrate civilians organically into military life.
The value proposition to the next potential workforce must consider work culture equally crucial to other drivers of recruitment. With fewer Americans eligible to serve in the military, the shift from a benefit to a mission-critical requirement to augment the workforce at the tactical and junior level with civilians has become necessary.
Rapid advances in technology have increased the need for civilians who provide technical skills in fields such as space, cyber, medical, and logistics. The military's need for these skills is evident, with the ratio of civilians and contractors to uniformed service members in the DoD at near-historic highs.
However, the integration process is not without challenges. Othering, a cultural phenomenon that occurs within military formations, is a less discussed reason for civilian workforce integration failure. A search on Reddit using the keywords "DoD civilians" reveals vocal animosity from some military members towards civilians.
Negative perceptions formed by lived experience can have a powerful and anchoring effect, making it difficult to shift or adjust those perceptions. Simple misunderstandings or differences can turn into collective mistrust in a toxic and sometimes hostile working environment.
The Department of Defense (DoD) employs approximately 890,000 civilians, making it the fourth largest employer of civilians in the world. The Defense Logistics Agency, which has 24,000 civilians and 800 military personnel, prioritizes workforce and culture integration through detailed strategic planning.
In conclusion, the integration of civilians into military organizations is a complex issue that requires a shift in mindset and a commitment to building inclusive cultural practices. The recommended shift is not organizational or policy-oriented, but cognitive. The military needs to push junior leaders to integrate, not assimilate, civilians into workplaces, creating an environment where shared human and professional experiences can foster understanding and collaboration.
References:
[1] "Rethinking Civ-Mil: Strategies for Integrating Civilians into the Military." Center for a New American Security. (2021).
[2] "Embodied Practices and the Military-Civilian Divide." Small Wars Journal. (2019).
[3] "Democratizing the Military-Civilian Divide." Harvard Kennedy School. (2020).
- In the military sector, the integration of civilians is a significant concern, with the Defense Intelligence Agency already dedicating resources to this issue.
- The 2022 Defense Business Board report indicates that civilian development isn't considered a priority within the DoD culture, but strategies like the "Rethinking Civ-Mil" series offer solutions to combat this.
- These strategies aim to build inclusive cultural practices that reduce separation, foster identification across military-civilian lines, and integrate civilians organically into military life.
- As technology advances, the military's need for civilians with skills in fields such as space, cyber, medical, and logistics is becoming increasingly evident.
- Despite the benefits, the integration process is not without challenges, with negative perceptions and the cultural phenomenon of "othering" posing obstacles.
- The Department of Defense, being the fourth largest employer of civilians worldwide, prioritizes workforce and culture integration, demonstrating a commitment to creating an inclusive environment for both military personnel and civilians.
