Factors Affecting the Defense-State Operational Partnership
Abstract
The Department of State currently reimburses the Department of Defense for assistance during noncombatant evacuation and other joint operations. Both agencies would benefit directly if State used this money to provide its employees the practical training in evacuation and other crisis skills that Defense routinely provides its personnel. Reimbursement reallocation also would allow State to coordinate better with Defense prior to and during joint operations. Reallocation is possible, if the National Command Authorities determine that changes to existing policies are in the national interest. Resultant improvements in joint cooperation would enhance operational capabilities of both departments. This paper compares Defense and State organizational cultures and evacuation attitudes, and discusses the effects of similarities and differences on working-level coordination. Defense characterizations are derived from both published sources and interviews. State attributes are the result of interviews with senior State officials. The paper began as research into the interrelationship between Defense and civilian nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) during humanitarian operations. Recommendations in the recent literature regarding Defense-NGO cooperation are equally applicable to the Defense-State relationship, which has enjoyed less attention.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 17, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA370689
Entities
People
- William N. Campbell
Organizations
- Naval War College