Key Processes for HA-DR Commanders to Consider

1. Key Processes for HA-DR Commanders to Consider Brian Walsh walshb@cna.org 703-824-2497 12 April 2012

2. Analytic questions On what processes does the Commander of an HA-DR operation need to focus early in the operation? How should these processes support the operation? What inputs do these processes need to thrive?

3. Key HA-DR processes Operational C2—Coordinate and collaborate Logistics Public messaging Operational assessment Medical operations

4. Operational C2 organization • Outputs: • Shared situational awareness • Coordination with stakeholders (e.g., DoD, host nation, & others) • Planning to support near-term contingencies • Flow of tasking down and information up • A managed relationship with the NGOs • Inputs: • LNOs and augmentation strategy • Clear reporting responsibilities • Battle rhythm and deadlines • Requests for assistance • Potential issues: • Lean forward—Don’t wait for specific tasking • Unclear roles and responsibilities (e.g., staff)

5. Logistics • Outputs: • Movement of HA-DR supplies (e.g., food, medical, construction, & fuel) • Creation of logistics infrastructure • Reliable data on the delivery of supplies • Inputs: • Connection to the request for assistance process • Funding • Augmented staff • Clear reporting requirements for operators • Potential issues: • Focus often on efficiency, rather than effectiveness

6. Public messaging • Outputs: • Maintenance of the relationship with the host nation and partner organizations • Communication with DoD community • Insights into where aid is needed (with N2) using social media • Inputs: • Access to data on operations • Access to planning • LNOs and augmentation strategy • Tools and training to record and distribute the message (e.g., video, pictures, and text). • Potential issues: • Coordinating messaging with the host nation

7. Operational assessment • Outputs: • Operational design (e.g., end states and lines of operation) • Strategy for tracking progress • Assessment results • Alignment of assessment efforts with higher headquarters and partner organizations. • Inputs: • Access to data and operators • LNOs and augmentation strategy • Specific tasking and slot in the daily update brief • Guidance on the issues of greatest concern to the Commander • Potential issues: • Elaborate assessment plans

8. Medical operations • Outputs: • Medical performance tracking (e.g., bed utilization) • Guidance on the employment of the hospital ship and medical staff • Health guidance for the force • Inputs: • Links to the NGOs • Significant augmentation, including psychological counseling • Potential issues: • Limited impact on operations

9. Common themes • HA-DR missions tend to energize parts of the command that do not typically play prominent roles. • Commanders can improve the performance of their staffs by: • Assigning additional staff to key functions, especially LNOs • Encouraging the staff to take the initiative • Exercising and employing a rapid planning process • Defining roles and responsibilities clearly • Providing explicit tasking and guidance • Providing links to other stakeholders • Recognizing the available talent and focusing this talent • where it would be the most productive.

10. A What

11. A What