The DOD Humanitarian and Civic Assistance Program Concepts, Trends, Medical Challenges
Abstract
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) supports worldwide humanitarian assistance activities as part of military operations other than war (MOOTW). This study is a qualitative and quantitative analysis of one aspect of MOOTW: the DOD Humanitarian and Civic Assistance (HCA) Program. This analysis defines and evaluates the HCA program in the context of MOOTW and proposes the emergence of several trends as well as challenges. This study also assesses the purposes and limits of HCA (under Title 10, United States Code) and differentiates between humanitarian assistance (HA) and HCA. Current trends highlight past, present, and potential benefits of this program. Challenges involve: implementing program improvements; measuring program performance and effectiveness; and defining military roles relevant to training, long term benefits, and the politico-military interface. Methodology for this study includes: (1) a literature review, (2) analysis of a 1993-94 U.S. Government General Accounting Office (GAO) report entitled Department of Defense: Weaknesses in Humanitarian and Civic Assistance Programs, (3) analysis of program data, (4) evaluation of medical after-action reports, and (5) interviews with personnel involved in various aspects of HCA. Reports on medical HCA conducted in USSOUTHCOM by medics associated with Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) serve to tie together the interrelated themes of this study and support conclusions relevant to trends, benefits, challenges, suggested improvements, and suggested areas for future research.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA398458
Entities
People
- Linda L. Ebling
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College