Do you think there are communication differences between genders within the military? What have you observed or experienced?

Ma'am I can tell you that after separation there is a huge difference in communication. It is all vets vs civilians, and I have found that sex doesn't hinder communication among vets. I find it difficult to communicate with other females now that I am out of the service. I am direct and mission minded which helps when relaying direction to males but the females see me as "mean"

I can't help with your Academic endeavor, Colonel, but perhaps I can inject a little humor into your evening: I think there's communication difference between genders everywhere on the planet, heh. Which makes it highly probable, there, too.

I've witnessed the standard differences between gendered comms... Males tend to be direct and leap directly at the problem to get to possible solutions, ala "Private, you screwed this up by doing this, that and the other thing. What are you (or we) going to do so it doesn't happen again?" It is direct and to the point - and because it misses out on the possible core issues and focuses on the results, can take a while to get a good resolution.

Females tend to be more social and background-oriented to get at the ROOT of the problem before attacking it, ala, "Private, how are things going? Problems at home? Are you satisfied with your training? Problems with how this last evolution was handled by the brass? Well, there are some shortcomings that we need to look at..." This is roundabout, and starts out with the backstory... and can take a while to get to the good resolution.

BUT - both usually end up taking the same amount of time - they just use different tactics.

I've also seen WAAAaayyyy too many instances of males automatically "mansplaining" issues to females when there is no need - even when the females are more proficient in the matter than the males. Now THAT pisses me off.

And, for background, I started my career off in the Army, in the Infantry, where there were zero females anywhere around and the only time they were discussed were in negative or objectifying ways. I joined the Coast Guard and had QUITE the eye-opening experience when my first CO was a female O3... and then for the rest of my career I served under, with, and over females in every unit I was with. Fortunately, I learned early on how to make that transition. If you need more or need clarifications, just holler!