Military Relations with Humanitarian Relief Organizations: Observations from Restore Hope
Abstract
Operation RESTORE HOPE, the December 1992 U.S. Military intervention in Somalia, was a significant military operation that coincided with a massive relief effort. One aspect of the operation that was fairly new to many Marines there, and to our military as a whole, was the degree of interaction with workers from Humanitarian Relief Organizations (HROs). Although both the military and the HRSs accomplished their missions in Somalia, relations between the two groups were sometimes strained. In future operations--in which the threat might be greater and closer cooperation necessary--military-HRO relations may need to be better. As part of the CNA RESTORE HOPE reconstruction project, this paper examines military-HRO relations in that operation. The paper draws on the RESTORE HOPE experience so that future commanders can better understand the complexities of military-HRO relations. In the paper, we review various aspects of the relationship, identify the causes of the problems between the groups, and suggest options that commanders consider for improving relations in future operations. Disasters, Foreign aid, International relation, Joint military operations, Military assistance, Military operations, Operation restore hope, Somalia, United Nations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA286510
Entities
People
- Jonathan T. Dworken
Organizations
- Center for Naval Analyses