How can I best teach someone to embrace culture?

SSG (Join to see) my apologies on not being more specific. I was referring to foreign culture. I never even considered military culture or army culture as something someone should struggle with. Would you mind sharing some instances in which you have seen people struggle with those if you have any, please?

Cadet LT (Join to see) - As a cadet at the USMA, you are watching the plebes struggle with military culture every day. Especially those with good grades and good standing that resign from the place before their commitment attaches. I was one of those at USAFA. The military has a culture as distinct and real as any foreign nation. It is why many of us on RP identify with each other so strongly.

CPT Jack Durish my apologies on not being more specific. When I was referring to culture I was thinking about it in the way that Merriam-Webster defines it: "The customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group." I was thinking about culture in the sense of foreign culture. In my time at the academy and my even shorter time in an operational army unit I have noticed apathy towards Non-American Culture. I don't believe my soldiers or colleagues need to love other cultures. But I do believe they should at least be open minded enough to able to examine them in a nonpartisan manner and to be able to draw life lessons from them. There is something to be learned from all our experiences, whether good or bad. No learning can be done, however, if they are not even willing to take in what is being put out.

Cadet LT (Join to see) - Thank you for explaining (your question - the part about "culture" wasn't necessary). Military personnel aren't ambassadors and can't be expected to practice every nuance of the culture in which they are immersed, but they should at least be respectful (insofar as it doesn't put them at risk or impede the accomplishment of their mission). They also should not take offense at the disrespect shown by others towards their culture. Once upon a time that wasn't a problem. Everyone wanted to be an American, and with good reason. We were elevating the world as we elevated ourselves. Sadly, those days are past. The "shining city on the hill" is now tarnished and the subject of derision. (Sadly, some of our own leaders are leading the chorus bemoaning and belittling America) Now, those who once respected or feared America, are attacking (like baboons tormenting a big cat that is old or sick and no longer a threat to them). It's payback time and military personnel are frequently the closest representative at hand to receive the abuse. The bottom line is that you are correct. Every serving member posted to another nation should receive at least some modicum of cultural training and take it seriously. How do you instill an interest in them? Present it in an interesting manner...

CPT Jack Durish Thank you for the answer, sir. There was a lot of insight in your response for me to chew on. I am sorry if the culture definition of my response offended you. I promise I was not trying to be smug or a smart ass.

SFC Gregory Roberts - In the broadest sense, all Americans are ambassadors and should respect the culture of the place in which you're a guest. We are, after all, a nation of the people, for the people, and by the people. However, we are not there to make friends while killing people and destroying things. That's something that real ambassadors never do. Still, we can at least kill people and destroy things respectfully...