20140927_NIU_CJ7_TREX_SFA guide 3.1

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d) Rapport Considerations
1) Language. In an ideal world, advisors would be able to converse in the local
dialect of their counterpart. Speaking Dari or Pashtu reasonably well for most
military and social situations is the next best option. If language proficiency is
not an option, learn to work with an interpreter. Even in this case, it is helpful
to learn enough of the language to know “Meet, Greet, and Eat” phrases.
Initially, this small gesture will work wonders in generating positive rapport
with the ANSF counterpart. As a minimum, the advisor should attempt to
learn the counterpart’s language over time; this will generally be a well-received
gesture of respect.
2) Local customs. Respecting local customs goes a long way in building
effective rapport. In virtually every culture, refusing extended invitations
is viewed as a slight. This is extreme in some cultures. The advisor must be
prepared to accept all forms of hospitality except the most extreme. Eating
local food, unless there is a documented medical threat, should be the order
of the day. Participating in cultural ceremonies also helps build rapport. At
some point, however, there is a level of activity where it is necessary to draw
the line. The advisor must be prepared to deal tactfully with issues that are out
of bounds.
3) Modified uniform When authorized by higher headquarters, modified
uniform may enhance rapport. This may take shape in the simplest measure
by allowing advisors or personnel to wear bi-lingual name tapes or rank.
Sometimes local scarves or unit insignia can be used to augment uniforms
without compromising standards. This may also aid in recognizing friendly
personnel in environments where personnel from multi-national coalitions,
including civilians, all
operate in the same battle
space. For advisors to
conventional ANSF units,
however, the counterpart
will usually expect the
advisor to adhere to
his unit’s standards.
Maintaining high uniform
and appearance standards
will establish a level of
expectation in respect to
other standards as well, e.g.,
training, maintenance, etc.
Photo: Staff Sgt. Vito Bryant
4) Building rapport has its limits. Some academics claim that one must “go
native” to truly understand the host nation and its challenges. In the military,
it is appropriate to assume some of the customs of the ANSF to be effective.
In fact, advisors close to their counterparts can often provide headquarters
with valuable insights into how things look from a grass-roots level. However,
once the advisor begins to pursue the ANSF agenda to the detriment of the
Coalition campaign plan, he has effectively “stepped over the line.”
3.10 Insider Threats (IT). Afghanistan has many threats—such as IEDs, indirect
fire, and small arms fire—but insider threats pose the greatest risk to advisors. Insider
Threats are the potential for an attack by, or facilitated by, anyone who has a position
of trust within a combined team of Coalition and Afghan partners. An insider attack
Chapter 3
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