Transformation for Disaster Relief: Developing a Hastily Formed Network during Operation Vigilant Relief

摘要

The purpose of this case study is to facilitate an analysis of the role and effects of network-centric operations during the National Guard's initial response to Hurricane Katrina, which made landfall in Louisiana on August 29, 2005. The study explores the problem of establishing a hastily formed network during a complex humanitarian disaster scenario by focusing on the difficulties of establishing a network at the rifle battalion level during Operation Vigilant Relief. In particular, the study focuses on those operations along the Mississippi Gulf Coast between September 6 and October 1, 2005 conducted by the Virginia Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 116th Infantry, part of the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 29th Infantry Division (Light). The 2-116th Infantry was designated as Task Force (TF) Stonewall prior to its deployment to Mississippi. A sister National Guard task force from Virginia designated TF Cardinal was deployed simultaneously to the Louisiana area of operations (AO). While both units eventually established operational networks, the initial stages offer valuable lessons on what to expect during a complex humanitarian disaster (CHD), especially in terms of communications networks and the attendant effect on continuity of operations. By reviewing the case study, future policymakers as well as civilian and military leadership will have a better frame of reference for solving communication problems encountered during a CHD and also potential solutions for similar incidents.