Interagency_Essay

Major Areas of USG Interagency Response The bulk of stability and peacekeeping operations in an order to United Nations or other international organization as part of a transition plan is critical. It is vital that all major coordination is put in place. The interaction that occurs between agencies of the US Government (USG), to include the Department of Defense (DOD), working towards accomplishing an objective together is defined as Interagency. With DOD combined with intergovernmental organization (IGO) and nongovernmental organization (NGO) coordination, these organizations help facilitate the transition from military combat operations to civilian stability. My thesis is to describe the USG Interagency Response in the JTF Caspian Operation order and how vital it is in the operation. In this essay, I will discuss the five major areas of concern for interagency response: Stable and Secure Partners, Governance and Rule of Law, Democratic Systems and Practices, Promotion of economic growth and development, and Restoration of essential services. Without all these elements as part of the plan for stability operations in phase V, then the status of a long term government would be uncertain. The first major areas of USG Interagency response is “Stable and Secure Partners.” Azerbaijan is an important ally on the “global war of terrorism” to the West. The country is a major energy producing and transit state. Their role in the Caspian region is increasingly evolving as a critical actor. With the 3 specific national assets as previously mentioned, Azerbaijan is a key country for many interested parties. Because the Azerbaijan Government is evolving and creating a stronger relationship with the West, it’s is also attracting insurgents and other crime/terrorism. The country is still very vulnerable because it’s still transitioning and is considered a transit country for many radical Islamists groups. It has so many wanted natural resources. The key for the government is to keep the populace support and give hope to the people by giving it confidence in its government ability to provide security and stability. The critical issues are the government security capacity, government legitimacy, and respect for civil liberties. The government needs to put as a top priority in rebuilding the AZ defense forces. Funding needs to increase for training and equipment. In the JTF Caspian operation order, there are several tasks and milestones. “Task 1.1 is to develop Azerbaijan's border security forces' ability to counter external security threats. Task 1.2 is to expand and broaden U.S. technical assistance and training. Task 1.3 is to support the South Caucasus Water Program. Task 1.4 is to use bilateral cooperative programs to bolster the GOAZ's indigenous capabilities to identify, prevent, and take action against terrorist activity and financing. Task 1.5 is to improve the legal basis for Azerbaijan's cooperation with the U.S. on terrorist/insurgent-related investigations. Task 1.6 is to expand and U.S. technical assistance and training. Task 1.7 is to maintain public support for the international war on terrorism and GOAZ’s COIN campaign.” The second major area of the USG Interagency response is “Governance and Rule of Law.” Legislative and judicial reform must occur through all levels of government in Azerbaijan in order to prove to the country that a plan will be erected for democratic principles. The reform must promote the development of a more transparent and reliable government. Respect for human rights and individual freedom should be one of their priorities. The critical issues for this response are transparency and accountability, respect for political and civil liberties, and managing expectations. In this response, there are several tasks and milestones. “Task 2.1 is to legislature transparently enacts key legislation. Task 2.2 is to improved transparency and responsiveness of key ministries (Health, Ed, Justice, Finance, Public Works, Interior). Task 2.3 is to strengthen the professionalism and ethics of judges and lawyers. Task 2.4 is to improve police professionalism and respect for human rights. Task 2.5 is to expanded human capacity to support transition. Task 2.6 is to accelerate Azerbaijan’s integration into regional and international structures.” The third major area of the USG Interagency response is Democratic Systems and Practices, mainly Elections. Once the election process is accepted by Azerbaijanis and international community, the administration of a fair election can begin. Participation is the key to strengthening the process and legitimacy of the government. The critical issues are participation, acceptance of results, and credibility of process. There are several tasks and milestones for this response. “Task 3.1 is to improved election security. Task 3.2 is to create National ID System to serve as voter registry. Task 3.3 is to improved election administration. Task 3.4 is to increased independent observation. Task 3.5 is to increased political party participation. Task 3.6 is to increased voter participation. Task 3.7 is to power sharing and inclusive governance promoted.” The forth major area of the USG Interagency response is “Promotion of economic growth and development.” During this response, the government will help promote economic growth by establishing policies and laws. The populace needs to be provided ways to have sources of income by various ways like jobs or other projects. Improving the way of life for the populace will show a sign of stability for the country. The critical issues for this response are managing expectations, government legitimacy, and international funding. There are a few tasks and milestones for this response. The initial task is task 4.1which is to improved economic reform policies enacted. Task 4.2 is to improved integration into global markets, strengthen private sector, and foster markets - particularly in the non-energy agricultural sector. Task 4.3 is to improve Macro-Economic Policies.” The last major area of concern for interagency response is Provision of essential services. Before major combat operations, basic services are provided to internally displaced persons (IDPs). After a major combat operation, a process is planned to get IDPs back home is their basic services are operating. Emergency services are activated and provided to those areas that were affected by the combat. If the basic services are not restored, then the IDPs are not allowed to return home. Prior to major combat operations, basic services are provided to IDPs. Restoring the basic services is vital so stability can begin for those affected by the war. If this process doesn’t work in a short time, then chaos could result in increase instability, a mass migration, and ability of insurgents infecting the populace, especially areas of SAPA influence. The critical issues of provision of essential services are managing catastrophic events and government legitimacy. Managing catastrophic events is important for the government to accomplish. If they fail to meet this object where they can’t provide emergency needs, human catastrophe will reach high percentage that uncontrollable. The support from the international community could be loss from the host nation and the Coalition. The legitimacy of the government is important for support from the populace. If government is unable to meet emergency needs, the population will lose confidence in their government and turn to insurgent organizations for aid and the promise of a better life. There are several tasks and milestones for this response. “Task 5.1 is humanitarian assistance (including food) and protection provided to IDPs and vulnerable communities. Task 5.2 is humanitarian assistance (including food) and protection provided to refugees and affected communities across borders. Task 5.3 is sustainable basic needs are met for target communities. Task 5.4 is voluntary repatriation and return of refugees and IDPs supported, as appropriate.” In conclusion, I have discussed the five major areas of concern for interagency response, the critical issues of each element, and the tasks and milestones for each response that was written in Annex V of the JTF Caspian Operation order. Because the tasks and milestones is critical in the operation and the success of phase V of the JTF Caspian Operation Order, I put it verbatim in this essay with quotations. Annex V of the JTF Caspian Operation order is specific and it provides military and interagency planners a brief synopsis of the major mission elements which is critical for mission success. Works Cited JTF CASPIAN OPORD (CASPIAN GUARD) 49991-17 (U), Annex V, pages V-7 to V-15.