OSD Guidance for DOD Mission

1. OSD Guidance for DOD Mission • US military is not an instrument of first resort in responding to humanitarian crises but supports civilian relief agencies • US military may be involved when: • The military provides a unique service • Civilian response capacity is overwhelmed • Civilian authorities request assistance • When the US military does become involved: • The military mission should be clearly defined • The risks should be minimal • Core DOD missions should not be affected “Foreign military and civil defense assets should be requested only where there is no comparable civilian alternative and only the use of military or civil defense assets can meet a critical humanitarian need. The military or civil defense asset must therefore be unique in capability and availability.”– “Oslo Guidelines”

2. “DOD'S ROLE IN DISASTER RESPONSE IS PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE U.S. GOVERNMENT APPROACH IN WHICH THE U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT/OFFICE OF FOREIGN DISASTER ASSISTANCE (USAID/OFDA) IS THE LEAD AGENCY. IN THIS CAPACITY, USAID/OFDA IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DETERMINING APPROPRIATE U.S. GOVERNMENT (USG) CONTRIBUTIONS AND COORDINATING OVERALL USG DISASTER RESPONSE ACTIVITIES. PRIOR TO THE COMBATANT COMMANDS' COMMITMENT OF RESOURCES TO DISASTER RESPONSE, USAID/OFDA VALIDATES THE HUMANITARIAN REQUIREMENT AND THE OFFICE OF THE SECETARY OF DEFENSE APPROVES SPECIFIC REQUESTS FOR DOD SUPPORT.” ------OSD/SOLIC Guidance Cable OSD Guidance

3. Requesting DOD Support 1 6 7 2 5 3 4 This is the formal process; however, the COCOM may provide assistance (within 72 hrs) without a formal request when a rapid response is in the best interests of the USG and vital to saving life and limb. 3