Military Culture
Increasing your knowledge and understanding about military culture will help you better understand, relate to, and support your Veteran employees. In this section, you will learn common terms and lingo used by your Veteran employees as well as what he or she is referring to when asking about the mission.
Need to know what 'MOS' or 'drill' means?
As with any large organization, the military has its own set of terms and lingo. Read our Common Terms & Lingo (Handout) to learn some selected terms, acronyms, phrases, and slang terms that may be of use to you.
Want to better understand the hierarchy or 'chain of command' in the military and military personnel's regard for authority?
Read our Chain of Command & Authority (Handout).
Want to know what your Veteran employee is referring to when he or she asks about the mission?
The military and its personnel are very mission oriented. Learn more about that orientation by reading our What it Means to be Mission Oriented (Handout).
What are some of the benefits of military service?
Veterans report many benefits and positive changes as a result of their military service. To learn more, read our Positive Outcomes of Military Service (Handout).
Want to learn more about military culture?
Take this Military Cultural Competence Online Course*. For more additional information, download this article, “A brief introduction to the military workplace culture,” that introduces general concepts regarding military workplace culture and discusses how this creates challenges for reintegrating into the civilian world.
Need to know what a military term means?
Use the Department of Defense's Dictionary of Military & Associated Terms*.
Take this Military Cultural Competence Online Course* to learn about branches of service, the difference between active and reserve components, and more...
*Links will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs web site. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.
