Winning without Fighting: Military/Ngo Interaction Development
Abstract
The evolving nature of conflict will require the U.S. military to conduct humanitarian operations more frequently and on a larger scale than ever before. Humanitarian operations require extensive civil-military interaction, and this thesis suggests that the U.S. military is not currently postured and prepared to handle the increasing humanitarian requirement. This thesis analyzes the interactions that took place between the military, the Department of State, and non-governmental organizations throughout three case studies: Operation Unified Assistance(Indonesia, 2004), Operation Unified Response (Haiti, 2010), and Operation United Assistance (West Africa, 2014). Each case study is presented as an independent operation with its own observations and recommendations. The conclusion then identifies four significant generalized itemsjoint training,militaristic tendencies, integrated communications, and structural systems for collaborationthat challenged civil-military interaction at some point throughout each case. This thesis concludes that a dedicated unit designed to immediately respond and lead the United States Governments humanitarian effort should be created including manpower and representation from each U.S. agency that plays a part in humanitarian operations. Legislation similar to the Goldwater-Nichols Act should pave the way for increased interagency interaction and cooperation to prepare the United States for the increasing demand for humanitarian response capabilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1009083
Entities
People
- Randy J. Beck
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School