Specialized Functions

The military contains a wide variety of specialized functions, making it a self-sufficient community. The military may have to perform some of these functions for civilian populations until other agencies can meet local needs. For example the military may have to provide Communications to host countries and NGOs in countries whose telecommunications systems are inadequate or devastated by war. The military may have to conduct extensive Medical Operations, including inoculation, triage, first aid, hospitalization, and medical evacuations or Health Care Operations such as sanitation and water purification.

Civil Affairs (CA) units have become a consistent and increasing part of MOOTW, assuming responsibility for the reestablishment of public utilities and liaison with humanitarian and UN agencies. The concern regarding CA is that these units are largely drawn from reserve units and have quickly become major contributors to mission success. Improper deployment or overuse of CA units runs the risk of units not being available to fill wartime requirements and/or a higher than normal op-tempo.

Similar to civil affairs, the quality and local coherence to Psychological Operations (PSYOPS) will be directly affected by the degree of area expertise. The Department of Defense may not be well-prepared to successfully battle contemporary armed insurgencies for the hearts and minds of locals. For example, an oral culture should not be addressed through leaflets and other printed matter. Bhatia (2003) asserts that “Beyond the development of an individual skills base, in terms of technology, the military needs to improve the range of its broadcasting capability and develop small rather than large platforms for monitoring and broadcast.” (p. 133).

The military can also help coordinate vital Logistics effort, particularly in the early phases. Pirnie (2000) maintained “One of the most important forms of assistance is transporting relief supplies to crisis regions.” (p. 28). Ground transportation during operations other than war can normally be coordinated using local NGO and host nation assets. The U. S. normally provides sealift through the Military Sealift Command to the military components of a contingency operation, such as NATO forces in Bosnia. However, it may employ military sealift for humanitarian purposes, as in Somalia. The U. S. Navy and Coast Guard may also improve, operate, and provide security for seaports and Protection of Shipping, as in Mogadishu during Operation Restore Hope. Pirnie (2000) continued this discussion in that the military can also be used to improve Airflow as well as Sea Lanes by providing air traffic controllers, navigation aids, and other support personnel and equipment. (p. 28 – 29).