Preparing for the Inevitable: NGO-Military Interactions in Humanitarian Assistance and Peace Operations

Abstract

Fort Leavenworth, KansasFirst Term AY 00-01REPORT Public reporting burder for this collection of information is estibated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing this collection of information. ABSTRACT This monograph seeks to determine if the U.S. Army adequately prepares company grade officers to interact successfully with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) during humanitarian assistance and peace operations. It briefly analyzes the current operational environment and highlights that the U.S. Army is conducting Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW) more frequently than in previous years. The author examines the culture and numerical explosion of NGOs and discusses their presence and participation in future operations. Using doctrinal information and the historical case studies of operations in Iraq, Somalia, and Haiti, successful and unsuccessful NGO-military interactions are examined. The author emphasizes the positive correlation that historically exists between effective interactions and mission success. Based on operational experiences, the unique knowledge and skills required for successful interactions with NGOs at the company grade officer-level are determined. Using this information as a baseline, the army's leader development system is analyzed and the author determines that the current system does not systematically prepare company grade officers for successful interactions with NGOs. In conclusion, recommendations are offered to improve company grade officer preparation for future operations. This monograph seeks to determine if the U.S. Army adequately prepares company grade officers to interact successfully with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) during humanitarian assistance and peace operations. It briefly analyzes the current operational environment and highlights that the U.S. Army is conducting Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW) more frequently than in previous years. The author examines the culture and numerical explosion of NGOs and discusses their presence and participation in future operations. Using doctrinal information and the historical case studies of operations in Iraq, Somalia, and Haiti, successful and unsuccessful NGO-military interactions are examined. The author emphasizes the positive correlation that historically exists between effective interactions and mission success. Based on operational experiences, the unique knowledge and skills required for successful interactions with NGOs at the company grade officer-level are determined. Using this information as a baseline, the army's leader development system is analyzed and the author determines that the current system does not systematically prepare company grade officers for successful interactions with NGOs. In conclusion, recommendations are offered to improve company grade officer preparation for future operations. SUBJECT TERMS

Bounded altruism: INGOs’ opportunities and constraints during humanitarian crises and the US intervention in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo

“…The US military has been at least as active as INGOs in compiling "lessons learned" from its interactions with INGOs in Bosnia. See Godlewski (1996); Seiple (1996); Joint Task Force Commander's Handbook (1997); Wentz (1997); Hinson (1998); Olsen and Davis (1999); Osborne (2000); Currey (2003); Hollen et al (2003); and United States Institute of Peace, InterAction, and United States Department of Defense (2005). 3.…”

“…In examining INGO behaviour in the conflicts in Bosnia and Kosovo, our study builds upon previous work on the relationship between INGOs and the US military and NATO (Seiple 1996;Gourlay 2000;Osborne 2000;Abiew 2003;Gheciu 2011), and with American donor agencies (Smillie andHelmich 1993, 1999;Lancaster 2007). We also draw on theoretical work done in political economy on donor agencies, though these works tend to address donor agency relationships with recipient governments, rather than with NGOs (Collier 2000;Kanbur 2000;Martens et al 2002;Clark et al 2005;Araral 2008).…”