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part of the toolkit for acquiring sociocultural knowledge in of such training can flatten the learning curve, ease adjust­
real time. There are several ways in which attitude can be lev­ ment timeframes, and better prepare embedded assets to gain
eraged by embedded providers and professionals to smooth trust and respect within their communities. Knowledge must
their entry into their new community. First, adopting the pos­ be rooted in an understanding of the culture­general model,
ture of the “student” rather than the “teacher” demonstrates whereby embedded professionals learn to identify relevant so­
a willingness to learn, and an interest in community members ciocultural knowledge to ease their own embedding process.
as people rather than as problems to fix. Second, keeping an Skills such as rapport building and managing expectations
open mind to things one does not understand or agree with augment that sociocultural knowledge, allowing the embed­
will help in navigating potential barriers or knowledge gaps ded professional to integrate themselves into their new com­
between the embedded asset and the community that they are munity without making damaging cultural mistakes. Attitudes
serving. In anthropology, this is known as cultural relativism, required include taking on a role of student and setting aside
or the approach to understanding cultural difference without the role of expert to better learn the social and cultural struc­
25
judgment or bias. Finally, an embedded asset’s position as an tures and rules guiding behavior. Finally, applying some or all
expert still requires power sharing with the community that of the competencies at the appropriate times will enable an
they serve. While they will be an authority on a certain subject embedded professional to negotiate the new landscape with
and will be expected to provide sound guidance from their the greatest success.
area of expertise, they will need to have a symbiotic relation­
ship with those who need their services. As the demand for embedded professionals increases, the need
to better prepare assets for engagement with military commu­
Applications: Once knowledge, skills, and attitudes are under­ nities will also grow. This preparation will allow for a faster,
stood, the final step is the application of these three tools – smoother entry into the community, and it can reduce some
when to use which one, and when a combination of tools is the of the tension and stress associated with adjusting to a new
best option. There will be times when knowledge alone is not cultural context. This may lead to more success in embedding
effective, especially if not paired with the appropriate attitude, professionals and increase the retention of professionals fill­
and vice versa. Knowing when to utilize which tool is likely the ing these valuable roles. Improved training can lead to greater
most valued competency for embedded professionals working continuity of care and utilization of services, with the ultimate
in a new social context. Application requires flexibility, as well goal of improving servicemember health and performance
as understanding. It is worth noting that the nature of working outcomes and maximizing return on investment in embedded
with a military population is one of constant change. As such, professional service delivery.
employing these tools regularly will be an important part of
continued successful service delivery. Disclosure
The authors have nothing to disclose.
One way to think of these described competencies (knowledge,
skills, attitudes) is through culture­general as a framework for Disclaimer
applying or utilizing tools in the tool kit. Understanding how The opinions or assertions contained herein are not to be con­
culture works, and being able to apply that understanding to a strued as official or as reflecting the views of the Uniformed
unique cultural context, paying special attention to their own Services University, the US Special Operations Command, or
role and positionality, can afford an embedded practitioner a the Department of Defense.
considerable advantage. It allows them to minimize social and
cultural mistakes, and thereby avoid creating unintended and References
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