Developing a Cultural Intelligence Capability

The Global War on Terror (GWOT) requires that the military modify its methodology for conducting global operations. The military is transitioning from primarily lethal-focused offensive and defensive operations to full-spectrum operations that also include stability operations. The military must therefore address the need for personnel that can operate globally to accomplish missions. The contemporary areas of operation place United States (U.S.) military forces in foreign lands. The indigenous populations are now fully a component of the "battlefield" and interaction with indigenous populations is common-place. The effect of cultural ignorance is directly linked to mission accomplishment. Therefore the military must improve its collective cultural capabilities to address this threat to military operations. The corporate and academic world also operates across established cultural boundaries. The stakes for these organizations are high as well. The solution is to address this issue through the development of cultural intelligence. Cultural intelligence is composed of two main aspects: cognitive intelligence (measured by Intelligence Quotient (IQ)) and Emotional Quotient (measured by Emotional Quotient (EQ)). The relative values of each are combined with one's life experience to provide a measure of an individual's Cultural Quotient (CQ). The military can address each component of CQ to develop its collective cultural intelligence. Raising the CQ of the U.S. military will facilitate success in the contemporary operating environment.