Serving Our Military Community

UNDERSTANDING MILITARY CULTURE

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the Understanding Military Culture webinar being conducted by Military Outreach USA.1

James Mukoyama, Jr., Maj Gen. U.S. Army (Rtd)President/CEO Military Outreach USA

President/CEO & Founder: Major General (Retired) U.S. Army 1964-1995, Vietnam combat veteran. Former Securities Industry Executive for 38 years. Promise Keepers since 1996, Command Religious Program volunteer instructor at the Great Lakes Naval Recruit Training Center since 2001. Former Chair of the National Advisory Committee for Minority Veterans, Department of Veterans Affairs. He and his wife were hospice patient volunteers for six years. Willow Creek Community Church member since 1995.Joseph Palmer, U.S. Air Force, Vietnam VeteranExecutive Director Military Outreach USAJoe has spent more than 30 years in the role of a national sales manager for industrial and consumer based manufacturers. He is a life member of VFW Post 7539 in Bloomingdale, IL and has been active in veterans affairs for more than 10 years. He has attained the high honor of being an All American Post Commander and All American District Commander with the VFW. Most recently he has written Moral Injury: A Guide for Clergy and Lay Ministries. He has been an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Roselle, IL since 1994.Presenters

Today's presenters are Jim Mukoyama, Jr. retired Maj. Gen. United States Army, who is also president and CEO of Military Outreach USA.

And I am Joe Palmer, Executive Director for Military Outreach USA. Both Jim and I are Vietnam Veterans and have conducted numerous presentations throughout the country concerning the need to Understand Military Culture.

Just a couple of bits of information concerning the webinar. You will notice a question and answer area on your screen. Feel free to type in any questions you might have as we progress through the webinar. We will try to answer as many questions as we can at the end of the webinar, but if we don't get to your question, we will reply to you via email.

This webinar is also being recorded and will be placed on our website within 24 hours of completion.

We hope that you will find this webinar informative. please take the opportunity to visit our website www.militaryoutreachUSA.org for further information2

ObjectivesThe objectives of this presentation:

Understand the components that define military cultureUnderstand military cohesion and the warrior codeLearn some of the affects of multiple deployments and combatLearn to engage families in systems of careLearn strategies to identify community resourcesLearn strategies to build working alliances with military familiesLearn how Military Outreach USA can be your partner3

There are a number of objectives that we would like to reach by the end of this webinar. Our overall goal is to ensure that you have an understanding of military culture.

An understanding of military cohesion and the warrior code will help you in dealing with the needs of our military community who are made up of veterans, active duty, National Guard, reserves, and their family members.

We will also discuss military family life style and finally offer ways that you can interact with those in the military community.3

4A Thought To RememberThe soldier, above all other people, prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.-- General Douglas MacAurthur

4It is important to remember that the last person who wants a war or to enter a conflict are those who have to fight it. They know what can happen.4

A Brief HistoryTransition from the draft to an all volunteer force

Before we start discussing Military Culture we need to have an understanding of some of the wars the U.S. has been engaged in and who has fought in them.5

Conflicts with Living VeteransWorld War II (1941-1945)Korean War (1950-1953)Vietnam (1961-1975)*Grenada (1983)Panama (1989)First Gulf War/Desert Storm (1990-1991)*Military advisors 1950-1961

We begin with wars that have living veterans.

Within the 1900s we of course fought in World War I and had incursions into Central America.

WW2, Korea and Vietnam were all fought with a military consisting of volunteers and draftees.6

Conflicts with Living VeteransSomalia (1993)Bosnia (1993-1995)Kosovo (1998-1999)Operation Enduring Freedom/OEF (2001-Operation Iraqi Freedom/OIF (2003-2010)Operation Inherent Resolve (2014-

Whether they be guarding embassies, working at supply depots or major installations, or training foreign forces, in total we have military in more than 140 countries throughout the world, including those with whom we were involved in conflict.

As a result of military service from 1941 to 2015, more than 20 million veterans have been created in the United States. While not all were in direct combat, all have worn the uniform and hence, have experienced military culture.

All have diverse experiences and diverse needs. By understanding military culture you will have a better understanding of how to serve them.

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The All Volunteer Force (AVF)Initiated as result of the draft during Vietnam WarMen still have to registerBut active draft ended in 1973Less than .05% of U.S. population serveLess than 7% of population alive that are veteransAVF has created a professional military

For many, the draft, which has been in place ever since World War I, is but a faded memory or not now part of their lives.

The ending of the draft was partially a result of protests and the high number of casualties taken during the Vietnam War.

The United States officially ended the drafting of men into military service in 1973. However, registration for the draft is still required for males 18 years old and older. Since 1973 the military has been comprised of an All Volunteer Force.

After the Vietnam War the U.S. also had a major reduction in the size of the military. One result of the decision to have an all volunteer force has meant that fewer men and women would serve in the military.

The draft, with all its flaws and allowances for exemptions, was a social equalizer. Men from all types of socio-economic backgrounds, races, creeds or religious beliefs were drafted. And they were drafted from all parts of the nation.

By eliminating the draft, a shift in the geographic makeup of the military occurred. With the draft, men from all parts of the country would servenow that equalization has been removed. The current all volunteer force is not representative of the geography of the United States. As a percentage of volunteers far more in the all volunteer force have their home roots in the South, Southeast, Southwest and Midwest. The lowest percentage of participants coming from the Northeast and West Coast.

Additionally, the current AVF also is made up of almost 15% women.8

In Comparison to 1960s Draft PopulationAverage age is olderEducational backgrounds Higher percent college graduates, high school/GED requirementMarital status higher than 1960s

The average age of today's enlisted person is under 25.

In the 1960s one could be drafted into the military without having a high school education. Today a high school degree it is a requirement.

The majority of those who served in the 1960s were not married. Today the marital status is much higher among our active-duty military with almost 50% of all active duty being married. Along with this comes a higher than civilian rate of divorce for those who are in our military.9

Some DemographicsAll volunteer force for more than 40 years---35% decrease since 19932.2M serving in uniform today vs 15M in WWIIRacial integration in 1948Ethnic diversity highest in the ArmySpecific demographics vary by service15% are women (highest in the USAF at 19%)

In the past 20 years the AVF has been reduced in size. We have far fewer men and women serving now than since the end of the Vietnam War.

As will be discussed, those who serve make no distinction as to ethnicity of their fellow warrior.

For those who are interested in a complete study of the demographics concerning the U.S. Military we will have on our web site by the end of day tomorrow the most current Dept of Defense Profile Guide of Military Demographics.10

Why Men and Women Join?Defined in terms of values with both social and personal significanceChallengeService/sacrificeEducation/Training opportunitiesEconomic issuesBonusSense of adventure/escape life situation

There are many reasons why men and women will join the military.

Some to find employment.

Others to accumulate educational benefits to be used after their military service is over.

Some just want to get away from home.

And within all volunteers there is a high sense of wanting to serve, dedication to the country, and patriotism.11

Quiz TimeIncreased use increases fatigue and stressIncreases risk of physical and emotional injuryIncreases the need for support

Before introducing Jim and his portion of the session on military culture I would like you to respond to these two polling questions: The first, prior to 1973 how many times as the United States used its military force? The second: After 1973 (with the implementation of the all volunteer force) how many times has the government used military force

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Military cultureTo healone needs to understand

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14Understanding the nature of the military culture, combat and the stresses of living and working in a war zone are critical in dealing with the military community

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15ArmyNavyMarine CorpsAir ForceCoast Guard*

National GuardReservesAuxiliaries

15 Distinctions among the branches of the US Military (although they are being blurred somewhat): Army: To protect and defend via ground troops, tanks, artillery, attack helicopters, tactical nuclear weapons. Navy: To maintain, train and equip combat-ready Naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas. Marine Corps: To seize and defend by air, sea, ground a ready force. Air Force: To defend through exploitation of air and space. Operates fighter aircraft, tanker aircraft, light and heavy bombers, transport aircraft and helicopters. Responsible for all military satellites/strategic nuclear missiles. Coast Guard: Safety, security, mobility, defense and protection of natural resources, deploy worldwide in support of maritime missions (including Iraq for port security).

Any air assets of the Army or Marine Corps are in support of the ground troops.Navy provides chaplains and medical personnel to the Marine Corps, many of whom are embedded or forward deployed with combat units. Combat support hospitals are as far forward as is practical.All are a part of the Department of Defense, except for the Coast Guard, which is part of Homeland Security.National Guard units are under the control of the governor of the resident state unless activated. Reserve units are federal and deployed by the federal government.

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16What do you call them?

Marine = MarinesNavy = SailorsArmy = SoldiersAir Force = Airmen/AirwomenCoast Guard = Coast Guard - Coasties or GuardiansNational Guard = GuardsmenReserve = Reservists

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17Army active component and two reserve componentsArmy National GuardUS Army ReserveOldest and largest ground forceFairly rigid separation of officers and enlisted

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18Navy 2nd largest forceOne reserve component (No Natl Guard)Two primary types of duty shore duty and fleet timeJunior and Senior enlisted are rigidly separated, as are officers and enlisted.

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19Marine Corps active and reserve componentPrimary mission is to capture/defense of naval bases.Highly competent land forceOfficers and enlisted rigidly separated for discipline and C2 purposes

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20Air Force-active component and two reserve componentsAir National Guard and AF ReserveYoungest branch of the militaryIn general, a more highly educated forceSeparation of officers and enlisted can be less rigid than other branches

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21Coast GuardDuring peacetime, part of Department of Homeland Security (DHS), charged with protecting the public and the environmentHas maritime and customs responsibilities during wartimeIn declared war becomes part of the Navy

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Military Training and CombatBasic Training Transforms a Civilian Moral Code to a Warrior CodeIntense, prolonged, severe reconditioning of whole personStrong, ritual aspectsFocused group ethos and bondingTask and social cohesionEmphasizes positive moral codes: honor, integrity, obedience to authority, courage

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Military Training and CombatMilitary Training is thorough and prepares people for the rigors of service in war.Survival in war proves value of trainingFailure to properly train has life and death consequencesFailure to develop a warrior code can be devastating to the unit and to the individual

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Core ValuesArmy: Loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, Honor, integrity, personal courageNavy and Marine Corps: Honor, courage, commitmentAir Force: Integrity, service before self, excellence, HonorCoast Guard: Honor, respect, devotion to duty

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25Military CultureBelief and Value Systems Create unit Cohesion Beliefs:Defenders of DemocracyTrust in the leadershipRole clarityDistrust of civilians Value Systems: Leave no one behindThe Unit practically becomes a family systemTop & Units Cover-defend and support the boss

Key Points: Beliefs:defenders of Democracytrust in the leadershiprole claritydistrust of civilians Value Systems: leave no one behindThe Group practically becomes a family systemThis unit represents a hybrid of primary and secondary groupingsViolence many have a history of violence which often plays a role The Great Lakes Naval Training Center study in 2005 shown that 80% of the attendees had a history of violence somewhere in their background Norms & Rules: formal and informal conductstigma of mental health and PTSDcover of the boss (Top Cover) be sure the boss looks good; a way to get aheadback-logging trauma keeping it covered up and contained; eventually it will come out though

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Social Cohesion vs Task CohesionSocial CohesionLiving in the barracksGoing to a barPlaying sportsGoing to a concert/gameTask CohesionTrainingBeing deployedBeing on a missionBeing in a firefight

In either case bonding occurs, but in Task Cohesion the truer, almost unbreakable bond is formed in seeking to accomplish the mission.

In the military, task cohesion can involve life or death decision making.

It is task cohesion that creates the Band of Brothers.

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We Were Soldiers

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Military FamilyWhen one enliststhey all enlist

In reviewing military culture, we cannot ignore the role of the family.28

When One Enlists They All EnlistWhether active duty, National Guard or ReservesThe family comes along

It makes no difference if one is on active duty, in the National Guard, or reserves.

When one enlists in the military, they bring with them their entire family.

They will be subjecting them to military culture and structure as well.

Part of that military structure is the hierarchy of rankand that rank structure also relates to the family. What status one had in civilian life is no longer relative once they become a military family.

Officer and enlisted living quarters are separated.

And family status is affected by rank as welltypically officer wives do not socialize with enlisted wives. Their functions are different, and for some, the adage rank has its privilege becomes their mantra.

For children as well, the rank structure affects how they act and in some cases who they interact with.

And for some, as we will see, the stresses can be too much resulting in family breakup and divorce.

When military service is over and the status of veteran is attained, the effects and experiences of military service remain.

They also remain with all in the family.29

Military Family At-Risk Factors30Frequent Relocation Previous Deployments Longer Separations Larger Families Younger Mothers Blended Families EducationWorking Outside Home Median Family Income

Some of the things that we need to recognize for anyone within the military community are the various risk factors that they expose themselves to.

For example families will be transferred from one base to another throughout their military career. They will never spend their entire military career at one location.

While the military will try to accommodate transfers military culture dictates one key fact: the needs of the military come first.

Given today's current world events service people now face multiple deployments. Deployments can last longer. This is true for National Guard and reservists as well.

Military families today also have larger families with an average of three children.

In many cases a larger family is a result of two divorced military people remarrying.

It is not uncommon to have for the non-military member of the family to have an outside job.

When one considers their pay structure: a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force with 8 years of service and two dependents makes in the range of $38,000 per year---before taxes. It is not hard to imagine why many of our enlisted personnel are receiving food stamps.

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31Separation Creates StressResulting from deployments, relocation, or training range from a few to many months disrupts life cycle transitions.Emotional ambiguityChild & family ties are brokenHeightening stress levels are the threat of death or injury of service member.

The stress of separation as a result of military service disrupts, as it would with any family, the entire family structure. This can be particularly true for National Guard or reservists whose life style is centered in the civilian world until they are called up for a deployment.

As a result of deployments military families rely more and more on technology to stay in communication. Skype, instant messaging, Facebookall provide instant contact with the family member back home.

While in most cases these electronic contacts boost morale they may be conducive to efficient military operations. For example, it is not a good idea for a spouse to tell her husband who is in Afghanistan that she was in a car accident that day and that the car was totaled. Imagine the thought going through the soldiers mind as they then go off on a mission with that information having just been received.

It is also a well-known fact that removal of any parent from the family structure is not conducive to the proper upbringing of children. The burden of responsibility to raise a child or children now falls upon a single spouse while the other is deployed. These responsibilities create difficulties in the transitioning of the service person who comes back from deployment. In the case of a father being deployed it will become the responsibility of the wife to assume all the duties of running and maintaining the household. Over the course of deployment things will change at home, birthdays and anniversaries will be missed.

And of course there is always the threat and fear of a loved one being killed or injured while on deployment31

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SoldierDeploymentSeparation Stress Depression & Anxiety Family Adjustment w/o Soldier in Home Out-of-Ordinary BehaviorsPre-reunion Stress anxiety and worry about behavior awayReunion and homecoming joy and anticipationRevitalize Relationships and honeymoonFamily readjusts - Consequences for behaviorPre-deployment Conflict & PreviousStressor pile-upPre-deployment Stress anxiety and concernThe Military Deployment Cycle or The Military Family Life Cycle

So when we look at a deployment cycle we can see the various stages that a family must experiencethese stages are relevant whether one is on active duty, in the National Guard or Reserves.

In many cases the order for deployment comes months before actual shipping out. There will be pre-deployment seminars and sessions for families, but all in all, months worth of knowledge of a deployment leads to a building stress within the family.

at every level of deploymentstress is created.

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Stressors-Emotional & Physical33

For Active Component Families Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Temporary Duty (TDY) Deployment Foreign Residence Risk of Injury and/or death Behavioral & Emotional IssuesAdditional for Reserve/Guard Component Families Citizen Soldier Mobilization and Deployment Separation from School, Jobs, etc. Demobilization

Jim spoke of unit cohesiveness and the bonding that occurs throughout military training. It is a bond that is many times stronger than that which exists within a family structure. You can witness the long term effects of the bond created if you have ever attended a military reunion. In a matter of seconds old friendships are renewed and stories begin to flyand always the question, Have you seen Al or Bob?

For those that saw the movie, American Sniper, we could see the bonding that existed between Kyle and others within his unitand you can also see the effect the separation from the unit had on his life and marriage.

These invisible wounds of war can exist in any member of the militaryeven if they never entered a combat zone.

What is not shown in this slide are the invisible wounds of war. This is a subject we will be discussing at length in an upcoming webinar. But we need to briefly address the link between the warrior code and the emotional and physical stressors it can place on the family structure.

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Invisible Wounds of WarPost Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Must be diagnosedTraumatic Brain Injury (TBI)ConcussionMoral InjuryA violation of ones moral/warrior code

PTSDThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that PTSD afflicts:Almost 31 percent of Vietnam veterans with more than half of all male Vietnam veterans and almost half of all female Vietnam veterans have experienced "clinically serious stress reaction symptoms." As many as 10 percent of Gulf War (Desert Storm) veterans11 percent of veterans of the war in Afghanistan20 percent of Iraqi war veterans

TBIresult of explosion, IED, artillery. Not new. Referred to as shell shock in WW1. Can be treated but may have lingering effects.

Moral injury, in its simplest definition, is the real or perceived violation of ones code.that code can be either their own code or the warrior code.

Imagine a Vietnam Veteran, reflecting on their life and remembering the village that he and his unit burned down. Imagine the drone crew, thousands of miles away from their target and then launching a hell fire missile killing not only the legitimate target but innocents' as well. Imagine the young sentry who had to make the decision to shoot a woman in a burka who would not halt when ordered to do so.

In some cases, the ultimate result of PTSD, TBI or moral injury will be the commission of suicide.but these wounds also affect the family.

One can only imagine the guilt a child must have when a parent is wounded, killed or commits suicide.

Or how does a caregiver deal with a WW2 veteran in hospice care who starts to remember his war experiences.

These and other issues will be discussed in an upcoming webinar but they are a result of military experiences and culture. But key to all this is the fact that many will not seek treatmentwhy? For some it is fear of losing the opportunity to progress in their careerfor othersthe warrior code sayssuck it up and move on.

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Why is this war different?Volunteer vs draftMultiple deployments Type of suicide bombingsNever any safety, no real recovery timeUse of civilians as shields and decoys by the enemyDeliberately targeting our moral codeCOMMUNICATION! Internet, cell phones, etc.IEDs, RPGs (TBI, hearing loss, neuro-chemical effects)Advancement in medical treatments35

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military outreach usa can helpPrograms you can use

So how can Military Outreach USA help you in your day-to-day efforts36

Mission Establish Military Caring Houses of Worship and Organizations in every community in the nationProvide resources and materials to serve the military communityAll at no charge

Military Outreach USA

What is the Military Caring Network?The Military Caring Network are Military Caring Houses of Worship and Organizations committed to serve those in our Military Community.

We describe Military Caring Houses of Worship and Organizations on our web site but what we should remember when dealing with those in the military, that as a result of their experiences and culture, they may act and speak a little differently than their civilian counterparts.

They will speak in acronyms and may use language that is, to say the least, offensebut that too is a result of their environment.

Unless you have experienced the military such phrases as I understand or I know where youre coming from should be avoided.38

Why is the Network Needed?A New ParadigmDespite their best intentions the DOD and VA are overwhelmedLess that 50% of veterans access services of the VA - particularly concerning mental health issuesPrivate sector partners (non-profits and for-profits) can provide important and more services to the military communityA key is that personalized care for our veteran warriors includes the VA and community partners working together

Military CommunityVeteransActive Military PersonnelNational GuardReservesMilitary Families

A Bridge to Resources

Resources:VAVSOCounty CommissionsPrograms

Just Reach One ProgramHighlightsResources to recognize and deal with moral/spiritual injuryUsed by any of your existing ministries, such as Marriage, Family, Substance Abuse, Seniors, Outreach and more, so No need to create a separate Military MinistryEverything within the program is provided FREE of charge

ResourcesInsight into Military Culture The Department of Veteran AffairsPTS-PTSD-TBI-MST-Moral InjurySuicideAfter SuicidePublicationsE-Newsletter

One resource that is immediately available to you is our Just Reach One program. Many of the components of the Just Reach One program are located on our website, www.militaryoutreachUSA.org.

This program will provide you with links, resources, and other materials to help you in developing a program to serve those within the military community.

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Community resourcesLearn about your community resources

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Community CovenantAccessing BenefitsCriminal JusticeEducationEmploymentFamiliesHealth CareHousingMental Health and AddictionSuicide PreventionWomens Services

As we have seen, this nation has multiple generations of veterans who have served during five major conflicts and numerous wars in the years between. Military Outreach USA believes it is the community's responsibility to serve those who have served our country.

The action plans within the Community Covenant are issue-based. They are applicable to veterans with from World War 2 to Korea to Vietnam and all other conflicts.

Each action plan within the Community Covenant the finds the issue, lists the action steps that each stakeholder group to use, and then available resources to help attain the goal. In addition, the action plans identify barriers and issues for further analysis that can be incorporated into your work plan for your community. These action plans are intended to serve you as a roadmap not as a directive for community members who signed the covenant and provide direction for them to fulfill their commitment to veterans and military families.

Everything within the community covenant can be modified to fit any need.43

Community Resources Bring agencies/organizations together to discuss what they do and who they can serveDiscover gaps/needs in services to veteransDevelop a go-to-provider in each agency: one trained who functions as trainer for others

In developing your community covenant plan you can bring together agencies and organizations such as the American Legion, the VFW, VA, Lions Club or Rotary discuss how you can work with them to serve those within the military community.

If you are located next to a military installation you can contact their base or post chaplain. I can assure you that they are looking for help.

If you dont have any bases near we also provide links to the National Guard and Reserve locations throughout the country. In most cases these units will have a chaplain that you can work with in serving their members.

During your discussions you will be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each organization so that you can resolve any issues that may exist and to help you become a better organization.

It is key that in each agency you identify one person who will become knowledgeable about all the issues that we have discussed today concerning military culture. Military Outreach USA will be pleased to work with that individual or group by providing information and resources that can be used.44

Objectives ReviewThe objectives of this presentation:

Understand the components that define military cultureUnderstand military cohesion and the warrior codeLearn some of the affects of multiple deployments and combatLearn to engage families in systems of careLearn strategies to identify community resourcesLearn strategies to build working alliances with military familiesLearn how Military Outreach USA can be your partner45

We hope that during the course of the presentation you have developed a better understanding of what military culture is how bonding occurs and is a valuable, indeed an integral part of the military cultureand how there is a transformation from a civilian code to a warrior code through military training.

We've also discussed some of the effects of multiple deployments on the family structure. Through our Community Covenant with Veterans and Military Family Guide we hope that you will be able to establish within your community programs and outreach to those who are in the National Guard, reserves, active-duty, in addition to veterans and their families.

By working with outside organizations within your community and building alliances you will be able to best serve those who have served us.

And finally we hope that you will utilize the resources we provide on our website, through future webinars, and our newsletter to continue to serve those within our military community45

ResourcesWebinar will be available on www.militaryoutreachusa.org within 24 hoursLinks and resources on web siteFor more information visit web site or email: info@militaryoutreachusa.org

As a reminder, we will have this webinar and all resources discussed linked to our web site within 24 hours.

An as we have a few minutes remaining we will be pleased to entertain any questions.46

Next Webinar-March 18, 2015PTSD and Moral Injury

Registration begins March 8, 2015

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