Harnessing the Interagency for Complex Operations
Abstract
This paper attempts to catalogue and describe the known models for interagency cooperation for stabilization and reconstruction (S&R) operations. The models in existence and under discussion can be grouped in terms of their focus on different aspects of the interagency process, as well as on different aspects of S&R. We recognize that S&R operations take place in an international arena, hence have limited the focus of this paper on models that address how the United States Government (USG) should achieve unity of effort. Defining an efficient, commonly understood model to guide USG actions is a necessary first step to coordinating S&R operations with other international, national, and non-governmental actors. This paper does not explore the various modes of providing humanitarian assistance, although those activities are almost always important elements of any operation preceding and accompanying military actions, as was seen in Afghanistan and in South Asia with tsunami relief. The United States has been involved in S&R operations for the past 15 years with mixed success because of the ad hoc nature of pulling together interagency resources. Examples of U.S. S&R efforts include operations in Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq. A number of ideas have emerged to make the process more systematic. This paper describes those ideas for interagency cooperation, grouping them into three categories: Washington-level strategic cooperation; combatant command-level operational cooperation; and field-level tactical cooperation. Some models address more than one category. Each section considers recent examples of interagency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan using existing models as well as the use of a Joint Interagency Coordination Group (JIACG) by various Combatant Commanders (COCOMs) before proceeding with a description of proposed new models for cooperation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA450210
Entities
People
- Charles Barr
- Neyla Arnas
- Robert B. Oakley
Organizations
- National Defense University