Strategy at the crossroads: The case of the navy hospital ships

Webb, Natalie J and Richter, Anke (2009): Strategy at the crossroads: The case of the navy hospital ships.

Abstract

We examine the state of knowledge in the defense literature on the use of military medical humanitarian assistance missions and examine their implications for navy hospital ships. As humanitarian assistance missions grow in importance for combatant commanders, deployed forces, senior government leaders and the international community, it becomes more important to determine desired outcomes and to set clear priorities for hospital ship use. Only when this is done can activities that promote achievement of policy goals be selected. While traditional hospital ship missions focus on combat support and training, successful humanitarian assistance campaigns typically address improving security and stability in a region, attitudes towards Americans and the West, and health and welfare conditions of local populations. We argue that well-crafted and communicated goals and priorities for the use of hospital ships are essential if the ships are to achieve desired policy outcomes.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: humanitarian assistance; military medicine; strategic planning
• Subjects: F - International Economics > F3 - International Finance > F35 - Foreign Aid; H - Public Economics > H5 - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies; I - Health, Education, and Welfare > I1 - Health

References

Casey, W., Peck, W., Webb, N.J. & Quast, P. "Are we driving strategic results or metric mania?" International Public Management Review, 2008: 90-106.

Cooperman, K., Houde, L. A strategic approach to humanitarian medical military manpower planning. Monterey, CA: Naval Postgraduate School, 2008.

Darrell, P. "Use of operations and maintenance funds during deployment: An informative overview of the use of O&M Funds during an overseas deployment, exercise or other military operation." Entrepreneur.com. 2006. http://www.entrepreneur.com/tradejournals/article/156552573_2.html. (accessed Feb 13, 2008).

Department of Defense . Quadrennial Defense Review. Washington, DC: United States Congress, 2006.

Department of Defense. Military Support for Stability, Security, Transition, and Reconstruction (SSTR) Operations. Washington, DC: Department of Defense, 2005.

DoD Security Cooperation Agency. Overseas humanitarian, disaster, and civic aid (ODHDCA). Washington, DC:

Department of Defense Security Cooperation Agency., 2005.

Drifmeyer, J, Llewellyn, C. "Overview of overseas humanitarian, disaster and civic aid programs." Military Medicine, 2003: 975-80.

Hofmann, CA, Roberts, L, Shoham, J, et al. "Measuring the impact of humanitarian aid: A review of current practice." Humanitarian Policy Group Research Briefing Web site. November 21, 2006. http://www.odi.org.uk/hpg/papers/hpgbrief15.pdf.

Kickbusch, I. "Influence and opportunity: reflections on the US role in global public health ." Health Affairs; 21, 2002: 131-141.

Kilcullen, D. "Lieutenant Colonel David Kilcullen of the Australian Army, a senior advisor to General David Petraeus, commander of the Multinational Force in Iraq." 2005. http://usinfo.state.gov/journals/itps/0507/ijpe/kilcullen.htm.

Malan, M. "AFRICOM: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing?" Testimony by Mark Malan before the Subcommittee on African Affairs, Committee on Foreign Relations, U.S. Senate, at the hearing entitled "Exploring the U.S. Africa Command and a New Strategic Relationship with Africa". Washington, DC: Refugees International, Aug 01, 2007.

Margesson, R. International crisis and disasters: U.S. humanitarian assistance, budget trends, and issues for Congress. Washington, DC: Congressional Research Service, 2007.

McGrady, ED & Strauss, D. USNS Mercy humanitarian deployment: What is the meaning of naval engagement? Alexandria, VA: Center for Naval Analysis, 2007.

McInnes, C. "Looking beyond the national interest: reconstructing the debate on health and foreign policy." . The Medical Journal of Australia. 180(4), 2004: 168-70.

Moeller, R. "Powerpoint presentation by AFRICOM Transition Team." Washington, DC, 2008.

Nathanson, D. Security and Stability Operations Measures of Effectiveness. Providence, RI: Naval War College, 2005. Naval War College. Joint doctrine for campaign planning. Newport, RI: Naval War College, 2006.

Nye, J. "Limits of American Power ." Political Science Quarterly, Volume 117, Number 4, Winter, 2002-2003: 545-559. Office of the Assistance Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. Policy to improve Military Treatment Facility (MTF) primary care manager enrollment capacity. Washington, DC: Department of Defense, 2007.

Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense-Global Security Affairs. Policy Guidance for FY08 Overseas Humanitarian Assistance. Washington, DC: Department of Defense, 2007.

Patrick, S, Brown, K. The Pentagon and global development: Making sense of the DoD's expanding role. Washington, DC: Social Sciences Research Network, 2007.

Reaves, EJ, Schor, KW, Burkle, FM. "Implementation of Evidence-based Humanitarian Programs in Military-led Missions: Part I. Qualitative Gap Analysis of Current Military and International Aid Programs." Disaster Medicien and Public Health Preparedness, 2008: 230-236.

Reaves, EJ, Schor, KW, Burkle, FM. "Implementation of Evidence-based Humanitarian Programs in Military-led Missions: Part II. The Impact Assessment Model." Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, 2008: 237-244. Serafino. The Department of Defense Role in Foreign Assistance: Background, Major Issues, and Options for Congress. Washington, DC: Congressional Research Service, 2008.

Strauss, D. Input to COMPACFLT assessment of USNS Mercy's humanitarian operation: Drivers for HA from the sea. Alexandria, VA: Center for Naval Analysis, 2007.