Logistical Challenges of Coordinating Military and Civilian Agencies in Humanitarian Operations

It seems that when disasters, either natural or man-made occur, governments often turn to the military for help as the military have certain resources immediately to hand, such as food, medicine and fuel as well as logistical resources of transport, communications and human assets with which to distribute them. Recent events in Haiti, Pakistan and more recently Australia showing relief agencies distributing food and medicines under the protection of military forces, or aid workers and military working together to construct refugee camps, set up field hospitals, provide emergency water and sanitation, has heightened the expectation of a smooth interaction. Due to fundamental differences between international military forces, humanitarian and development agencies in terms of the principles and doctrines guiding their work, their agendas, operating styles and roles, the area of civil military logistical coordination in humanitarian relief has proven to be more difficult than other interagency relationships. This paper outlines the current challenges as they relate to the logistic aspects of disaster/emergency preparation and response, and to discuss the areas in which the development of closer civil-military cooperation could be of particular benefit. To achieve this, the first section will reflect on examples as illustrations of the challenges inherent in the achievement of successful civil-military cooperation. The subsequent sections will discuss the logistical challenges facing civil military cooperation in humanitarian relief operations. The paper will conclude with proposals to improve civil military logistical cooperation within humanitarian relief