RCSP Blocks of Instruction

RCSP 1A: An Introduction to the Region

The RCSP 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 RCSP 1B and prepares Marines with the operational culture and regional knowledge needed to successfully complete RCSP 1B. RCSP 1A 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 RCSP 1A consists of readings, a computer-based training, a case study, three quizzes, a tests, and an end of course survey.

RCSP 1B: Applied Region and Cultural Studies

The materials in RCSP 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. RCSP 1B consists of two lessons. In the first lesson, Who Am I, Marines review operational culture general concepts presented in RCSP 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 RCSP 1B consists of readings, computer-based training, two quizzes, an exam, and an end-of-course survey.

At the end of RCSP 1 (A&B), your Joint Service Transcript will populate with three semester hours in global and cultural awareness, and you will receive Service School Code A56 "RCSP - Basic" in MCTFS.

RCSP 2A: Continued Region and Culture Studies

The RCSP 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 RCSP 2B and prepares Marines with the operational culture and Combatant Command knowledge needed to successfully complete RCSP 2B. RCSP 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 RCSP 2A consists of assigned readings, a case study, one test, and an end of course survey.

RCSP 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. RCSP 2B instruction is the final block in the RCSP 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 RCSP . 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 RCSP 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 RCSP 2 (A&B), your Joint Service Transcript will populate with three semester hours in interpersonal communication, and you will receive Service School Code A57 "RCSP - Intermediate" in MCTFS.