Table of Content
▲Understanding Customs of U.S. Army
▲Basic English Conversation on Duty
Understanding Customs of U.S. Army
▲clear sense of individualism and self-defensiveness
▲strong sense of pride of and responsibility
- U.S. Army Living Customs (Characteristic)
▲mischievous and good sense of humor
▲liberal attitude at work (taking meals, smoking, listening to radio etc.)
▲nearly no display of personal emotions in public
Factors that Cause Trouble
▲misunderstanding from lack of English communication ability
▲improper use of language or expression that stir emotion
▲conflict from small talk and abusive language
▲do not like usage or operation of personal items without prior approval
▲do not like random use of firearm, unnecessary pranks or physical contact
▲emotional confrontation when national supremacy expressed openly
▲misunderstanding from difference in office regulation
▲do not like inappropriate work attire or behavior
▲do not like interference of tasks under U.S. army jurisdiction or pressing action for task
▲gap in task enforcement when performing inspection (admitting entrance by putting off
▲missed work from emotional confrontation by working with unfavorable worker
▲when problems or nonfulfillment of regulation is reported to U.S. Armed forces authority,
U.S. soldiers misunderstand that they have been reported by (suspect that they are being
▲U.S. soldiers have a strong sense of denial for responsibility caused by problems occurred
“When problems occur, incidents can create a national problem”
▲prohibited to settle problems when incidents occur → report to chain of command
• do not show anger when arguments occur on site
• when U.S. army request cooperation, immediate response on site is recommended
▲maintain Basic Fundamentals of Soldier
• maintain appearance of military discipline (attire and behavior)
• strict conformity of even minor regulations
▲improve English communication skills
▲clear task performance by office regulation
▲abiding to the law and public order
“Be on duty with pride and a sense of mission as a military diplomat”
Problem Solving Methods
Precautionary Measures on Duty
▲use title or rank, not ‘hey’ when addressing U.S. soldier
▲do not describe African American as “Nigger (Negro)” or “Black” – Use “Colored
▲do not mention darkness of skin color or movies on African American roots
▲do not curse at U.S. soldiers in Korean (they understand in many cases)
▲even when U.S. soldiers play a prank or joke do not joke along exceedingly
▲turning away because one does not understand English when U.S. Soldier kindly
approaches in English, may lead to serious misunderstanding
▲do not handle or play with gun when it is not neccessary
▲avoid using U.S. Soldier’s possession or personal items if possible
▲do not directly operate U.S. Soldier’s radio or walkie-talkie to adjust volume, rather ask to
▲must ask for consent when turning on or off co-owned possessions (air conditioner, fan,
heater, etc.), do not argue about possession rights
▲must clean up work place after shift is over
▲do not express discomfort from U.S. Soldier’s behaviors like listening to the radio, eating,
▲when U.S. Soldier belittles or harasses Korean entrants by showing superiority, do not
deal with situation on site, but report to executive officer
▲ U.S. Soldiers have the tendency to inspect cars and people without time restriction
regardless of rank, therefore do not rush inspection process
▲do not dispute blame when property is damaged at guard post, but resolve by reporting to
▲light physical contact may even be considered as sexual harassment, therefore watch
behavior (especially sexually sensitive areas like the hip)
Original Text in Korean.
Translated by Yeon J. Yue