FINAL REPORT CULTURAL INTEROPERABILITY IN PROJECT TAURUS University of Groningen Frederik Wermser Dr. Peter Essens Dr. Susanne Täuber Prof. Dr. Eric Molleman Corresponding author: Frederik Wermser, University of Groningen, Nettelbosje 2, 9747 AE Groningen, The Netherlands Email:
[email protected] Final Report Cultural Interoperability in Project Taurus Executive Summary To support the process of integration of Netherlands (NLD) and German (DEU) units in the DEU 1. Panzerdivision (“Project Taurus”), the Commando Landstrijdkrachten of the Netherlands and the Kommando Heer of Germany asked the University of Groningen to study the development of identity and culture in these units. A large-scale survey with three waves was executed by the university in 2017, 2018 and 2019 among soldiers in the staffs of the 1. Panzerdivision, Panzerlehrbrigade 9 and 43 Mechanised Brigade, as well as the entire Panzerbataillon 414 and 45 Armoured Infantry Battalion. In addition, the present findings draw on interviews conducted prior to and after the survey waves. The level of integration is a prominent factor in how soldiers perceive the integration. This relates to how many soldiers of the other nation operate in a unit, and consequently to the frequency of contact between soldiers of the two nations. Units with 10% or more soldiers of the other nation we call ‘Deeply Integrated’. Units with less soldiers of the other nation but still a binational command relationship, are called ‘Structurally Integrated’. 1. Motivation matters when working together. Deeply and Structurally Integrated soldiers report high levels of motivation to collaborate, which remains high over the years. Soldiers who perceive the integration as an opportunity from a military perspective and for their individual development, are more motivated to collaborate, identify more strongly with the integrated division and evaluate the integration more positively.