This study examines the command and control issue that joint forces encounter during United Nations sponsored humanitarian assistance operations. By analyzing current doctrine for forming and operating joint task forces, the thesis offers insight into the organizational problems faced by joint planners and commanders. An investigation of current command and control theory illustrates the dilemma of building an organization that contains military structure while at the same time is flexible enough to adapt to its environmental changes. This environment, which includes a variety of governmental and non-governmental organizations, is shown as the critical element that the commander must consider when designing his force structure. The case studies of Operations PROVIDE COMFORT and SUPPORT HOPE illustrate joint and combined humanitarian assistance operations. The study concludes that disaster relief and humanitarian assistance operations force commanders into environments which require adjustments to traditional methods of command and control. The commander must develop an early understanding of what the military organization must accomplish and then structure it accordingly.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
