ADF views on Islam : does cultural sensitivity training matter ?

Since the events of 9/11, the official line of most Western governments has been that the fight against Islamist terrorism is not a fight against Islam itself. Strategically, there are a number of reasons for this — successful intelligence cooperation with Muslim majority governments, civilians in Muslim countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan and in the West itself is seen as crucial for Supported by the Army Research Scheme, Dr Charles Miller conducted a review of the significance of cultural sensitivity training. His method of research and the results of his findings are contained within this article. This article will challenge your opinion of the way in which our Army conducts and manages cultural sensitivity training. And challenge is a good thing. We are all, by virtue of our voluntary service in the Australian Army, students of the profession of arms. This study requires us to value intellectual diversity, challenge conventional thought, and embrace professional and respectful discourse. The more we think about and analyse our profession, the better we become at it. We do not all have to agree. Both the Evaluation Board of the Australian Army Journal, which reviews these articles, and my staff, have a number of opposing views on this article’s content and its reflection on the lived experience of Army values. That said, discussion on sensitive matters, supported by sound research and rigorous analysis, helps position Army to understand difficult problems and deal with them appropriately. This article is one view, of one cross section of our people, undertaking one component of our preparation for operations. With that in mind, I commend you to read Dr Miller’s article, be challenged by the argument presented, learn from it and work together in our efforts to be an inclusive Army. Angus J Campbell, DSC, AM Lieutenant General Chief of Army