This interim report summarizes the results of an independent assessment of Department of Defense (DoD) personnel systems and databases, focused on the identification and differentiation of what personnel data exist, where, and at what organizational level, as well as what is done with those data.

This report describes the development of an operational tool for planners that enables them to identify REC capability requirements during the planning process.

This report documents the Institute of Defense Analyses' examination of the infusion of language, regional, and cultural (LRC) content into Professional Military Education (PME) across the Services, from pre-commissioning through the General Officer/Flag Officer (GO/FO) level.

At the end of February and beginning of March, the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival—also known as the Argungu Dance Festival—takes place in the Nigerian state of Kebbi. The four day festival “features kabanci—a series of water competitions including hand fishing, canoe racing, wild duck catching—as well as other traditional practices, such as the local style of wrestling and boxing.” Dancing and singing add to the festivities as well.

While Americans celebrate Thanksgiving in November, many cultures around the world express gratitude for nature’s bounty with their own unique thanksgiving and harvest celebrations.

Here in the US, we celebrate trees annually with Arbor Day. In India, they honor trees for an entire week. During the first week of July, communities across India plant trees in honor of Van Mahotsav, or the Tree Festival. Started in 1950 by the then-Minister of Agriculture and Food, K. M. Munshi, Van Mahotsav is intended to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and caring for the environment. 

The importance of coffee in Turkish culture dates back to the Ottoman Empire, when it became part of the Ottoman court’s lavish ceremonies. The sultan employed coffee makers who prepared the beverage for special occasions with the help of many assistants. Since then, drinking coffee has become a national pastime, and coffeehouses in Turkey are popular meeting places for friends to get together and talk.

Every August for eight days, the Colombian city of Medellin blossoms with color to celebrate one of the country’s most important festivals—the “Feria de las Flores” or Flower Festival.

While music performances, flower exhibitions and an antique car parade are some of the festival’s biggest attractions, the signature event is the Desfile de Silleteros—a parade of hundreds of local flower growers carrying huge, elaborate flower displays  (silletas) strapped to their backs. Before the parade begins, the silletas are judged in a competition.

Why do we celebrate Veterans Day on November 11?

Green tea is Japan’s most-consumed beverage, served first thing in the morning and with almost every meal.

First introduced to Japan in the 8th century, tea was mainly consumed as a medicinal beverage by monks and the upper class.