Peer replies should be 130 words each, include at least 1 direct quesiion and add value to the discussion forum

STUDENT 1 (Jena):

As a Contingency Contracting Officer (CCO) duty obligations may require travel to many places around the global to support assigned missions. It is the responsibility of the CCO to tackle cross-culture competences challenges. According to the Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy (2017), “culture competence comprises of four elements: awareness of one’s own culture worldview, attitude toward culture differences, knowledge of different culture practices and worldviews, and cross-culture skills” (p. 256). CCOs are expected to gain knowledge of the different societal views of the host nations (HN) and find ways to put culture differences aside. This allows the CCOs and HNs to work as a team and contributes to a unified team effort. CCOs are expect to learn as much about the host nations that they will be deployed too. Resources such as the J2 (Intelligence), Department of State (DOS), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other organizations acts as resources for the CCO to gain a better understanding of HN cultures, customs, business practices, and laws prior to deployment (Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy, 2017).

According to the Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy (2017), “Situational awareness involves never letting your guard down while constantly observing and understanding your surroundings. CCOs should remain situationally aware at all times, trusting their instincts and relying on their training” (p. 265). While deployed in foreign countries, CCOs may be expected to leave the wire to visit sites, attend meetings and handle cash-and carry transactions (Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy, 2017). CCOs must understanding the security protocols procedures and protocols of the host nation country. If necessary, CCOs are able to travel with additional members of the acquisition team and are allotted the opportunity to request additional security assistance while in hostile areas.

References

Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy. (2017). Defense Contingency Contracting Handbook. Washington, DC: Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy. Retrieved from https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/ccap/cc/jcchb/DCC_Han…

STUDENT 2 (Derek):

The DoD defines cross-cultural competence as the set of knowledge, skills, and affect/motivation that enables individuals to adapt effectively in cross-cultural environments. Generally speaking, Cross-cultural competence refers to the ability to successfully operate across cultures using particular knowledge, skills, expertise, and other characteristics relevant to effective cross-cultural performance.

Cross-cultural competence is not a skill or concern that only CCO’s have while operating in a foreign environment. Organizations can assess personnel performance by moving their personnel into different work environments in which organizational structure and culture are different. Organizations do this to verify that their staff are not just successful when they are in familiar conditions, but can perform effectively in unfamiliar or even inhospitable environments.

CCO’s or any individual operating in a foreign environment achieves cross-cultural competence by avoiding complacency or making assumptions. Situational awareness can have different definitions based on who the user of such information is. Joint doctrine states that in order to achieve situational awareness, it is required to analyze and define the operational environment. The Operational Environment (OE) is defined in JP 5-0 as the composite of conditions, circumstances, and influences that affect the employment of capabilities and bears on the commander’s decisions. The doctrine explains why having an understanding of the OE is essential. Understanding the OE helps better identify the problem; anticipate potential outcomes, and understand the results of the various friendly, adversary, and neutral actions and how these actions affect obtaining the end state.

Each staff section or functional arear has a responsibility to develop its cross-cultural competency through thoughtful application of an achieved understanding of their operational environment from their point of view. CCO’s serve on the staff a functional expert in acquisitions and procurement. CCO’s must be able to provide a JFC with expertise on doing business on the US Government’s behalf in the contingency environment where they are operating.

STUDENT 3 (Amy):

Contingency Contracting Officers (CCOs) can get deployed to various foreign countries in support of joint contingency operations. When visiting and interacting with foreign nationals, a CCO will be exposed to cultures different from their own. Due to this, cross-cultural competence is vital to an effective operation. Being able to understand and respect cultural differences and communicate effectively is important to the CCO role. Cross-cultural competence helps with the contract negotiations that may be required. Being aware of certain foreign national’s customs can ensure a smooth negotiation process and can help to avoid offending anyone in the process. There are various ways to strengthen cross-cultural competence as a CCO. Some of those are: learning a few words in the native language, creating a positive relationship with the locals, avoiding discussions on the local politics, etc. Being well informed as a CCO is so important in ensuring a successful operation and keeping all those involved safe.

Situational awareness as a CCO is also equally important. CCOs can be assigned to hostile environments and may be required to travel outside of the wire, which brings additional risks. CCOs must be versed in antiterrorism countermeasures as well as security protocols. If situational awareness is lacking, lives could be put in danger. Additionally, as a CCO, you will be exposed to sensitive information which must be handled appropriately. Operations Security (OPSEC) is expected when sensitive information is involved. A CCO should not let their guard down when in a high-pressure environment.

When I was deployed to Iraq, there was a huge sign at the main gate that said “COMPLACENCY KILLS” in large red letters. It was our reminder every time we left the wire that not being complacent and not having situational awareness could literally get us killed. It is something I will never forget.

References:

Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy. (2017). Defense Contingency Contracting Handbook. Washington, DC: Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy. Retrieved from https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/ccap/cc/jcchb/DCC_Han…

Cheers, everyone! Here’s to another one down! 🙂 -Amy