Cooperation or Conflict: The Interaction of U.S. Military Forces andNongovernmental Organizations in Military Operations Other Than War

摘要

This study explores the interaction between U.S. military forces and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in military operations other than war (MOOTW). The thesis is that some problems identified in this interaction during recent MOOTWs can be traced to the nature of both the military and NGOs as values-based institutions. Successful interaction between the military and NGOs has been defined as key to the success of MOOTWs. The military has developed doctrinal guidelines to minimize some of the organizational points of contention. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding the perspectives, values, and the organizational culture of NGOs when developing doctrinal guidelines for interaction. This study acknowledges the value of the Civil-Military Operations Center (CMOC) concept as a means for orchestrating unity of effort between the military and NGOs. It proposes expansion of the CMOC to include additional specialized functions as well as additional training for CMOC staffs. It also maintains that formal, systematic consideration of NGO perspectives is an equally key part of future attempts to improve military performance in this area.