HA/DR: Is USPACOM 'Ready on Arrival'

摘要

The recent inclusion of the core capability, Humanitarian Aid/Disaster Response (HA/DR) to the 2007 document, A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Sea Power invites a crucial discussion as to how prepared the maritime forces of the United States military, specifically USPACOM (United States Pacific Command) are to respond to the next disaster that strikes the region. By taking a thoughtful look at the recent 2005 OPERATION UNIFIED ASSISTANCE (OUA), the United States was able to deduce the critical importance of HA/DR to overall Theater Security Cooperation (TSC). Not only did it prove vital to the people it brought aid to - saving countless lives, it also allowed for the opportunity to develop close relationships with other countries within the region. Although largely successful in hindsight, many valuable lessons were learned because of OUA. Of glaring importance was the fact that the operation demonstrated to USPACOM just how unprepared it was to conduct such a large and complex HA/DR operation. While subsequent changes have been made as a result, USPACOM unfortunately is still not adequately prepared for the next disaster that occurs within their area of responsibility (AOR). In order to support the thesis of this paper, the paper will first examine the aging and technologically obsolete assets available to USPACOM to conduct HA/DR operations. Next, it will assess the current training and readiness of USPACOM's maritime forces, discussing not only the importance of training opportunities within the region that allow for vital mil-to-mil relationships, but also relationships with NGOs (non-governmental organizations). Finally, the paper will conclude with recommendations for USPACOM, suggesting how it and the rest of the United States' maritime forces can better prepare themselves for the next HA/DR operation in the region.