Better Disaster Response: Building on a Solid Foundation

摘要

Recent analysis has shown the Foreign Humanitarian Assistance (FHA) mission to be a qualified strategic success. However, beneath the strategic success story is the fact that the ad hoc nature of FHA mission organization as prescribed by current doctrine runs contrary to the established operational principle of unity of effort. This paper will assess several models that seek to rectify this problem through establishing coordinating bodies within the current Joint Task Force structure. However, to establish the required unity of effort Geographic Combatant Commanders are better served through the creation of standing Joint Interagency Task Force-FHA headquarters. Unfortunately, the proposed creation of a standing JIATF-FHA headquarters will undoubtedly come at a cost. Staffing JIATF-FHA headquarters elements will require substantial manning and budgetary commitments on operational commanders and United States Government agencies alike. To that end, current policy direction and initiatives recognize the need for greater civilian engagement and support the costs associated with the FHA mission.