Defence Cultural Specialist Unit (DCSU)

[drewchaneyau]

The Defence Cultural Specialist Unit (DCSU) launched 1 April 2010, deploys military specialists in Afghan culture and language to advise commanders on the ground.
Specialists help build a picture of Helmandi society for commanders in Task Force Helmand and battlegroups across the province. They help to identify and understand issues relating to the local cultural, political, economic, social and historical environment to help commanders make better and more informed decisions.
Specialists build on existing language skills and cultural understanding by gathering local knowledge and fostering contacts at bazaars, shuras and other places where local Helmandis gather.
Human Terrain Analysis is a key component of any Counter Insurgency campaign. The emphasis is on working among local populations and alongside local security forces. The DSCU is a useful ‘Human Terrain Analysis’ tool – troops on the ground build a picture of the local tribes and communities so that a better understanding can be developed.
The Defence Cultural Specialist Unit (DCSU), based at RAF Henlow in Bedfordshire as well as deploying to Afghanistan, will also support cultural training in the wider military and other government departments.

Patch received from unit CO 2011.