Aerospace Power's Contribution to Humanitarian Assistance Missions: Redefining Effects-Based Operations
Abstract
The U.S. military's joint doctrine identifies humanitarian assistance (HA) as one of 16 Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW) The military's goal is to relieve the suffering of natural and man-made disasters, Often times, these disasters are superimposed with civil war or other political and security challenges, transforming them into situations known as "complex emergencies." Within these emergencies, actors use food as a deadly weapon. Unfortunately, contemporary military doctrine supporting HA remains underdeveloped compared to more traditional war fighting missions. This research focuses on framing airpower's desired effects during HA missions, missions analyzed for tactical (i.e., local), operational (i.e., regional), and strategic (i.e., national and international) implications. Small units at the tactical level can save lives, stop population dislocations, and influence attitudes and behaviors by delivering aid, Joint command structures coordinate and combine tactical efforts with other agencies and create the operational level effects of securing the food supply chain, protecting the population, containing spillover, and creating a functioning economy, police force, and government. Strategically, national image, political access, and cooperation can be improved through effective humanitarian aid. Airpower's speed and ability to reach remote areas can create these effects. New tools, such as large airships capable of direct delivery, can optimize and economize the effects to support US national security goals.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA407254
Entities
People
- Michael W. Holl
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College