Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief: Are the National/International Coordinating Agencies Capable of Fulfilling the Mission?
Abstract
The focus of this paper, an examination of the range of possibilities and training considerations necessary for successful participation by the U.S. military in noncombat roles, will underscore its role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Operations. The inclusion of activities and events by the members of the Second Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division and other elements of the XVIIIth Airborne Corps will serve to illustrate events that are relevant to the examination of noncombat roles for the U.S. military during its participation in JTF Andrew operations. The author's personal observations are based on his own involvement in these operations in two distinct roles: he acted as the Brigade Task Force S-5, initially responsible for civil-military interface with state and local governments and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) operating within South Dade County. As more units were deployed to the AOR, he also served as commander of a Battalion Task Force Relief Area (an area encompassing over 20 square miles and inhabited by over 28,000 people). He also intends to present operational planning considerations and organizational problems that were experienced by the Brigade Task Force in its interface with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), various levels of state and local governments, and JTF Headquarters. Additionally, he will provide comments relevant to the Brigade Task Force's interaction with NGOs and Private Volunteer Organizations (PVOs) with which it had to work with and support to successfully accomplish its role in the relief effort.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA440519
Entities
People
- George M. Svitak
Organizations
- National War College