The case for change: Reimagining research to transform military culture

Military culture change, driven by the imperative of meaningful inclusion of all military members, has been identified by the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces as a key priority. All who participate in defence-related research - especially the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research - have a responsibility to think about what kind of research is needed to support military culture change. The research community is challenged to reflect on taken-for-granted practices and how they might need to be transformed to support change objectives. While reinforcing the critical role of Sex and Gender Equity in Research guidelines and Gender-based Analysis Plus in research, the discussion further emphasizes the required translation of diversity and participation into meaningful inclusion. This article foregrounds the pivotal role of research relationships and the co-creation of knowledge across participants, researchers, and stakeholder communities through accountable engagement at all stages of the research cycle, from conceptualization to the application of resulting knowledge. In summary, conducting meaningfully inclusive research in support of military culture change needs to focus on building community-wide competency and ensuring accountability to those with lived experience.