Uneasy Partners: NGOs and the US Military in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies.

Abstract : Since Operation PROVIDE COMFORT, the US military and humanitarian relief organizations have found themselves increasingly committed to working together during complex humanitarian emergencies. This humanitarian intervention will no doubt continue and will necessitate increased cooperation. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and military participants often cite a need for a stronger partnership. In order to achieve successful, sustainable results, both partners must examine and understand fundamental limits to cooperation, such as motivating imperatives, principles of operation, operational objectives, and organizational cultures. With this understanding, NGO and military policymakers can draw upon their unique strengths to develop and implement policies, procedures, and coordinating mechanisms that improve the effectiveness of their joint efforts. Using brief case studies focusing on Operations PROVIDE COMFORT, RESTORE HOPE, and SUPPORT, the paper acknowledges the recent success of the tactical level Civil Military Operations Center (CMOC). As such, the authors target the Theater/Country level of operations as in most need of reform. They suggest a conceptual framework for evaluating humanitarian crisis response; identify three broad areas for improvement: human resources development, planning, and in-country coordination; and suggest recommendations for both the military and NGOs.