HomeAcademic ProgramsCenter for Regional and Security Studies (CRSS)EducationRegional and Culture Studies Program (RCSP)Southern Africa (SF)

 

                    

Regional Information Template 1 of 2

Process and Requirements

CRSS provides allotments for all RCLF regions to The Basic School (TBS) for each company. The TBS Company staff assigns each Lieutenant and Warrant Officer a region IAW the allotment provided, and returns the roster to CRSS Admin for assignment in MCTFS.

​RCLF region assignments for Active Component Sergeants began on 1 October 2012 and for the Reserve Component on 1 May 2013. Due to the number of Marines promoted to Sergeant each month, CRSS coordinates with Marine Corps Total Force Structure (MCTFS) and Manpower Information System Support Activity (MISSA) in Kansas City, Missouri, to develop an automated process to ensure all newly promoted Sergeants are assigned a RCLF region. This process assigns RCLF regions based on an algorithm which factors the current, mid-range, and long-term Marine Corps operational commitments and contingencies. This algorithm was first developed in the spring of 2013 and is updated on a biennial basis.

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MarineNet

RCLF hosts our content on the Marine Corps distance learning network, MarineNet, which provides 24/7 access to thousands of online courses. You can find the RCLF content in the course catalog, under the "Language and Culture" tab or if you're just looking for our workbooks, you can find those available for download via the MarineNet library.

RCLFRegionalDiscript

RCLF Blocks of Instruction

RCLF 1A: An Introduction to the Region

The RCLF 1A curriculum exposes Marines to culture general concepts, culture specific concepts, cross-cultural competence, and region-specific information. This course of instruction is designed to be a precursor to RCLF 1B and prepares Marines with the operational culture and regional knowledge needed to successfully complete RCLF1B. RCLF1A consists of three lessons. In the first lesson, Operational Culture General, Marines gain a better understanding of reading the cultural landscape, operational culture general concepts, and cross-cultural communication competencies in order to apply core concepts and skills to operationally relevant scenarios. In the second lesson, Regional Overview, Marines gain an understanding of region-specific information such as geography, history, economics, politics, and societies. In the final lesson, Regional Security Issues and Case Study, Marines are introduced to regional security issues within the region, and read a case study on a culture within the assigned region. The MarineNet curriculum for RCLF 1A consists of readings, a computer-based training, a case study, three quizzes, a tests, and an end of course survey.

RCLF 1B: Applied Region and Cultural Studies

The materials in RCLF 1B provide foundational regional and cultural knowledge. By considering the critical elements of operational culture, Marines can: identify potential cultural friction/leverage points; identify possible outcomes and possible second- and third-order effects; assist in developing culturally appropriate solutions for assigned missions. RCLF 1B consists of two lessons. In the first lesson, Who Am I, Marines review operational culture general concepts presented in RCLF 1A and gain familiarity with additional operational culture general and cross-cultural concepts and skills. Marines apply these concepts and skills to the US Marine Corps in order to use this analysis as a framework for understanding and assessing other cultures. In the second lesson, Who Are They, Marines complete a variety of region-specific and culture-specific readings and activities. The MarineNet curriculum for RCLF 1B consists of readings, computer-based training, two quizzes, an exam, and an end-of-course survey.

At the end of RCLF 1 (A&B), your Joint Service Transcript will populate with three semester hours in global and cultural awareness.


RCLF 2A: Continued Region and Culture Studies

The RCLF 2A curriculum exposes Marines to culture general concepts, culture specific concepts, cross-cultural competence, and region-specific information. This course of instruction is designed to be a precursor to RCLF 2B and prepares Marines with the operational culture and Combatant Command knowledge needed to successfully complete RCLF 2B. RCLF 2A consists of three main lessons. In the first lesson, Marines gain exposure to additional culture general concepts and cross-cultural communication competencies in order to apply core concepts and skills to operationally relevant applied scenarios. In the second lesson, Marines review culture as a factor in Marine Corps and Interagency planning. In the final lesson, Marines are introduced to regional security issues within the region, and read a case study on the impact of culture on an operation that occurred within the assigned region. The MarineNet curriculum for RCLF 2A consists of assigned readings, a case study, one test, and an end of course survey.

RCLF 2B: Advanced Region and Culture Studies

In former blocks, Marines were assigned to regions; however, there is one iteration of this block which covers the entire world. RCLF 2B instruction is the final block in the RCLF program and consists of three main lessons.  In the first lesson, LREC Capabilities and Integrative Complexity, Marines are presented with strategies for managing LREC capabilities and messaging the RCLF program. Marines are also exposed to integrative complexity, a key skill associated with cultural sensemaking. In the second lesson, Plans, Policies and Strategies, Marines review ‘strategic culture’ and its impact on the National Military Strategy and National Security Strategy. Marines further compare the strategic culture of major world actors and identify the associated impact on foreign plans, policies and strategies. In the third and final lesson, Contemporary Culture and Strategic Studies, Marines review the cultures of major world militaries, governments and agencies. The lesson exposes Marines to strategies for engaging cultures to mitigate potential challenges. The RCLF 2B curriculum on MarineNet consists of assigned readings, case studies, a webinar and optional guided discussion materials. While there is one single block, the lessons in the block are divided into major world regions based on Geographic Combatant Commands. Marines are not required to complete all case studies and examples from each lesson but rather self-select which cases to complete. 

At the end of RCLF 2 (A&B), your Joint Service Transcript will populate with three semester hours in interpersonal communication.