Train Like You Fight . . . The Need for an Institutionalized Exercise Program for United States Interagency Reconstruction and Stabilization Capabilities
Abstract
On 7 December 2005, in response to concerns about the ability of the United States (US) to effectively conduct Reconstruction and Stabilization activities in Afghanistan and Iraq, President George W. Bush issued National Security Presidential Directive 44, Management of Interagency Efforts Concerning Reconstruction and Stabilization (NSPD-44). The directive explicitly tasks the US State Department to lead the US Government (USG) interagency in planning, preparing for, and conducting Reconstruction and Stabilization (R&S) efforts. As with any large-scale activity, success in planning, preparation, and execution is often contingent upon an institutionalized exercise program to ensure the readiness and appropriateness of personnel, equipment, and procedures. In the four years since President Bush signed NSPD-44, however, the State Department has yet to establish a formal exercise process for interagency R&S efforts. This paper evaluates USG interagency R&S exercise activity to answer the following question: Are USG R&S exercise activities adequate to ensure an effective interagency R&S capability? The paper begins with an overview of USG R&S capabilities, including a summary of the mission, agencies involved, governing directives, and key processes or R&S. It then reviews the exercises in which USG R&S capabilities were exercised since the State Department established its office for R&S. Based on that review, the paper identifies shortcoming in the R&S exercise process and then offers recommendations to resolve these shortcomings. Ultimately, the paper concludes that in order for the USG to develop and maintain effective R&S capabilities, the State Department must lead the interagency in developing an institutionalized R&S exercise program.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA539941
Entities
People
- J. C. Moss