by Ray Burke

Created on: January 19, 2008

U.S. Military Effectiveness in Non-Military Operations:

Can the US military be effective in non-military efforts to revive a war-battered community? Yes, it can. The U.S. military has been, is and will be always at the front in such situations because it is in the military's interest to revive war-battered communities to such a degree that security of the community is enhanced, private and humanitarian agencies can then move in to work and the military can leave. We have seen this from past conflicts, but the nature of conflicts since the Cold War has changed and so has the military response, both in military and non-military terms.

As a former member of the British Army, I have experienced such non-military operations and I am sure that parallels can be drawn to the U.S. military. One such military unit that performs non-military operations are the Engineers. They are first in; last out, and can build permanent or temporary structures like shelters, runways, roads, schools, and hygienic spaces, etc. Other Logistic units can bring in transport, tents, food, clothing and other supplies for refugees, locals and other war-affected communities, etc. This can be achieved on the ground, through air drops or by sea.

All around the world, from recent and current war zones like the Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq, Central America and Ethiopia, and also in Indonesia (after the tsunami) and Pakistan (after the Earthquake) among others, the U.S. military has provided non-military services to support these areas in a crisis. Some of the affected communities could be in areas of military or cultural sensitivity that could degrade into local hostilities, so a military presence would be needed.

The military could provide medical facilities, first aid, humanitarian aid and supplies to war ravaged areas. They would be the only effective organisation capable of delivering such supplies and services in dangerous areas. Hearts and Minds campaigns during less turbulent times could include recreational time, setting up playing fields or games with locals and economic possibilities by buying or trading in local shops. Such activities could act to lessen stress and encourage mutual trust.

In post-war scenarios, the military could be the only security around and may have to fill in for police, fire and other emergency services and provide training for local security and protection of the local populace. Communication networks could also be provided to coordinate aid efforts. For any media/news

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