Military leaders face many decisions in planning for successful operations. Leaders prepare for each mission in that operation. They plan for needed equipment and training. They factor in critical elements such as terrain and time. History shows us that these careful preparations do not always produce successful results. Cultural understanding is of key importance. Through examination of several wars fought by France and the United States, the importance of cultural understanding in military operations will become evident. Military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan will further add credence to this key factor in planning for successful missions.

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