Command and Control of Nongovernmental Organizations
Abstract
Since the end of Wodd War lithe military and nongovemmental organizations (NGOs) have shared operating space. Although in existence since the mid to late 18OO's nongovernmental organizations or relief organizations as they were more commonly known and military operations did not overlap. The military conducted wars and NGOs came in and relieved the human suffering caused by events either prior to war or because of war. Each organization formed opinions of the other and generally avoided each other. This was the status quo until the late 198O's. The U.S. military deployed to places like Somalia and Rwanda to assist in humanitarian operations and to Afghanistan and Iraq to conduct more conventional military operations. Across the spectrum of military operations soldiers increasing find themselves sharing an area of operations (AOR) with one or more NGOs. NGOs are important players in the international community. Coordination of all participants in a crowded and often complex environment is important to ensure the military accomplishes its mission as prescribed by the President. It is equally important that NGOs are positioned to safely and effectively achieve their humanitarian objectives. Both the U.S. military and the bulk of the NGO community appreciate the necessity for some form of communication and coordination. The current situation has multiple independent agencies and organizations operating in complex often violent civil-military operations and competing for information infrastructure and influence over the local population. These organizations are interdependent yet operate independently in the same space. The military and Nongovernmental organizations must continue to educate each other on their operational methods their sensitivities and their expectations of the other during operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 19, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA424012
Entities
People
- Donna L. Shaw
Organizations
- United States Army War College