Preparing for the Inevitable

This monograph seeks to determine if the U.S. Army adequately prepares company grade officers to interact successfully with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) during humanitarian assistance and peace operations. It briefly analyzes the current operational environment and highlights that the U.S. Army is conducting Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW) more frequently than in previous years. The author examines the culture and numerical explosion of NGOs and discusses their presence and participation in future operations. Using doctrinal information and the historical case studies of operations in Iraq, Somalia, and Haiti, successful and unsuccessful NGO-military interactions are examined. The author emphasizes the positive correlation that historically exists between effective interactions and mission success. Based on operational experiences, the unique knowledge and skills required for successful interactions with NGOs at the company grade officer-level are determined. Using this information as a baseline, the army's leader development system is analyzed and the author determines that the current system does not systematically prepare company grade officers for successful interactions with NGOs. In conclusion, recommendations are offered to improve company grade officer preparation for future operations.