Noncombatant Evacuation Operations in Support of the National Military Strategy

The National Military Strategy identifies the evacuation of noncombatants as a principal mission for the Department of defense (DOD). DOD has been charged with implementing evacuation decisions and supporting Department of State (DOS) objectives to protect US citizens abroad. The evacuation of US and other foreign nationals to a safe location is known as noncombatant evacuation operations (NEO). The purpose of this monograph is to develop a basis for Army and Joint NEO doctrine for contingency operations in response to crises anywhere in the world. NEO is an essential mission that extends from the National Security strategy to the National Military Strategy to CINC OPLANS to the mission essential task lists developed by all Army units. Yet, there is no single document that provides clear doctrine for Army units to use in the training and conduct of these missions. Even though most NEO missions will be joint operations, there is also little joint doctrine covering the subject. Also, there are no bilateral or combined military agreements on NEO. The subject will be examined by providing definitions and characteristics of NEO, explaining the role of the State Department, looking at joint and interagency positions and determining the Army's function in NEO. Several historical examples will also be studied for lessons learned. These lessons learned will be examined using the enabling concepts outlined in TRADOC Pam 525-5. Finally, the requirements for future NEO doctrine are examined. Outlines for joint and Army NEO doctrine will be presented. In an ever changing, unstable and developing world, military operations will continue to be conducted to insure the safety of US citizens. Joint and individual service doctrine will enhance the conduct of NEO missions, and in the long run, provide for better security of all US citizens abroad.