Success in Kashmir: A Positive Trend in Civil-Military Integration During Humanitarian Assistance Operations

Wiley Thompson, Doctoral Student Department of Geosciences, Oregon State University 21 April 2007

Agenda • • • • • • • •

Introduction Research Focus Modern Humanitarianism The Military as a Humanitarian Resource Civilian Disaster Relief Models Key Relationships The Kashmir Model Conclusions

Kashmir Seismicity and Aviation Relief Hubs

(Modified from Kandeda et al. 2003)

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M. McKearn

Research Focus

• Examine reoccurring themes regarding the intervention of military forces into the primarily civilian realm of disaster relief. • Analyze the Kashmir earthquake relief mission. • Will not critique, but attempt to supplement military publications. • The Goal - bridge the gap between military and civilian literature with real-world relief experience.

Modern Humanitarianism • No single term like humanitarianism is adequate. • Humanitarian action has become an acceptable substitute for political action (Kent 2004). • New humanitarianism as a politicized rights-based movement which is redefining humanitarian policy (Chandler 2001) • Humanitarian NASCAR – t-shirts, stickers and flags - the “modern symbols of international aid” (Stockton 1998). – Flag flying is a result of “the higher profile being sought by donor institutions in relief operations” (Walker 1992).

• New Humanitarian moniker and NASCAR analogy applies to military forces (Bello 2006).

The Military as a Humanitarian Resource

Combat Camera

• Foreign Humanitarian Assistance (FHA) = Disaster Relief • FHA should “relieve or reduce the results of natural or manmade disasters” (JP 3-07.6). • FHA is intended to be “limited in scope and duration” and should “supplement or complement the efforts” (JP 3-07). • Experts at logistical planning; possess at-the-ready capabilities (Cuny 1983, Walker 1992, Alexander 1999, Anderson 2005, Gaydos and Luz 2006). • Military participation is not without controversy (Walker 1992, Gaydos and Luz 1994, Palka 1995, Daniel 2006).

Civilian Disaster Relief Models

“the provision of emergency relief and assistance when it is needed” and “evacuation, the distribution of primary necessities and the mobilization of emergency services”

(Modified from Cutter 2003 with photo by author; quote from Alexander 1999, 407 )

Key Relationships Military to Host Nation

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W. Thompson

– FHA should “supplement or complement the efforts” of others (JP 3-07). – Direct support relationship (JP 3-07.3) – Resist the temptation to takeover – Put a host nation face on all ideas

Key Relationships Military to other Military

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W. Thompson

– May be OPCON to host nation military – Potential synergy exists – They “get it”

Key Relationships Military to NGO

Combat Camera

Combat Camera

– NGOs are local knowledge and relief experts – Concerns about neutrality (Weissman 2004, Donini, Minear and Walker 2004). – Must establish a Civil-Military Operations Center (CMOC) – NGOs promote self-reliance; critical component of your exit strategy

The Kashmir Model

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Take time and establish key relationships Embrace the assistance role Integrate and coordinate Give host nation ownership of any products or ideas Build trust through transparency

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• • • • •

“Any cargo, any destination.”

Conclusions • In less than 30 days, TF Griffin: – flew 1533 flight hours – moved 7,209 passengers – transported 3,328 casualties – hauled 5.3 million pounds of relief aid

• Fully integrated into the relief effort and encourage the same from other actors • Conducted their mission in a fully transparent manner • Coordinated at length with other relief organizations and foreign militaries; sought partnerships from the beginning

J. Franz

Questions?