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Multinational Coordination Center

(MNCC)

24 July 2015

Agenda

•References•Background•Purpose•Assumptions•Tasks•Organization &

Structure•MNCC in the Philippines

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References

•Multinational Force Standing Operating Procedures (MNF SOP)–Part D, Chapter 1, Annex C, Appendix 7 (HA/DR Multinational Coordination Center)–Link to MNF SOP: https://community.apan.org/mpat/m/mediagallery/114858/download.aspx–Link to MNF SOP HA/DR Annex: https://community.apan.org/mpat/m/mediagallery/76000/download.aspx–(See also MNCC section of HA/DR CONOPS in Appendix 6 of MNF SOP HADR Procedures)

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• A MNCC is a multinational coordination center that facilitates coordination and cooperation of foreign military forces with the affected state to support humanitarian assistance and disaster (HA/DR) relief missions

• This briefing recommends a “start point” for MNCC formation & operations

• The MNCC should be adjusted to fit specific circumstances of multinational military relief to an affected country or countries

Purpose

Purpose

•Multinational military operations require coordination between militaries – normally done by:–Exchange of Liaison Officers–Establishment of a Multinational Staff Coordination Process Cross-Functional Elements

(Boards, Bureaus, Cells, Centers or Work Groups)–Combination of Liaison Officers and Cross-Functional Organizations

•There are generally two types of MNCCs:–CTF (Coalition or Combined Task Force) MNCC–HA/DR (Humanitarian Assistance / Disaster Relief) MNCC

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Purpose

•Two key differences between the CTF MNCC and a HA/DR MNCC:–A CTF MNCC relies on formal command relationships among military forces while a HADR MNCC does not–HA/DR MNCC will operate at the UNCLASSIFIED level of information sharing

•MNCC operations should be limited so they do NOT undermine proper coordination mechanisms of the affected state’s national disaster management system–The MNCC should focus coordination on providing unique military support or niche skills to civilian efforts –Coordinating military multilateral capabilities

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HADR MNCC Purpose

•A HA/DR MNCC is a multinational coordination center that facilitates coordination and cooperation of foreign military forces with the affected nation to support HADR missions–The MNCC organization and tasks should be tailored to the situation– Affected state leads the MNCC–

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Once the foreign military members have agreed upon specific MNCC tasks and organization, they can then develop detailed procedures

HADR MNCC Assumptions

•The affected state still exercises sovereignty and is functioning throughout the country•The affected state government (including its military) is able to prioritize and coordinate requirements –It then make these requirements known to international disaster response agencies and other countries

•Affected state government has designated a–National Disaster Management Organization (NDMO) or–Local Emergency Management Authority (LEMA) or–At least key points of contact for international assistance

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HADR Assumptions

•Most foreign military assistance will be based on:–Existing arrangements or –New bilateral or multilateral arrangements

•Non-military coordinating mechanisms will most likely be operational in nature–These should be factored into the foreign militaries’ planning–Example humanitarian mechanisms:

Cluster Approach, UNDAC, CMCoord, OSOCC / Virtual OSOCC, HOC, UNHAS, etc.

–Example regional mechanisms: ASEAN AHA Centre, SASOP, ERAT, etc.

•Validity of these assumptions may cause these procedures to be modified during the HADR operation

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MNCC Tasks

•Deconflict operations in the same geographical area•Coordinate needs assessments with affected state, United Nations and other assisting humanitarian organizations•Avoid duplication of assets and capabilities (subject to political considerations of the foreign military force countries) to the greatest extent possible•Prioritize military support based on the affected state priorities•This includes assisting and support to the Humanitarian Community

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MNCC Tasks

•Establish liaison with appropriate host nation / affected state civil government, relief agencies, and military; the Humanitarian Community; etc•If not done by the host nation / affected state, establish an unclassified local area network (LAN), internet and email network for information sharing among the Affected, Assisting, and Humanitarian Community•In conjunction with the host nation / affected state, and Humanitarian Community, develop appropriate transition / engagement / disengagement criteria –Includes a transition plan for multinational military support

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MNCC Organization & Structure

•Director / leader: From the affected state•Organized into cells to facilitate tasks of coordination between militaries in support of the affected state and humanitarian community:–Information-sharing Cell–Request for Assistance (RFA) Cell–Operations Cell–Planning Cell–Civil-Military (Humanitarian /Affected State) Coordination Cells–Public Affairs / Media Cell

Note: MNCC Leadership & organization will likely change and adjust to developments in the situation / requirements

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MNCC Organization in the Philippines

•As an option instead of a MNCC, the government of the Philippines may use a Civil Military Coordination Center (CMCC) –May be established by NDRRMC to include civilian agencies, UN CMCoord officers, AFP and international militaries–This CMCC might be established at national level or tactical level and function as an all-inclusive coordination mechanism

•The MNCC should only be established if liaison mechanisms are insufficient to assist in military-to-military coordination–While the MNCC is a proven means of improving coordination between parallel military efforts and with the humanitarian community in major operations, its utility may be duplicative in less demanding operations

–The decision to establish a MNCC) must be decided early in planning through coordination with appropriate civilian agencies.

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MNCC Tasks in the Philippines

•Coordinate support of needs assessments with NDRRMC and others•Avoid duplication of assets and capabilities•Prioritize military assistance in support of NDCC and assisting states•Establish liaison with NDRRMC and designated affected state civil government, relief agencies, and military, and other as necessary

•Facilitate establishment of an unclassified local area network, internet, and email network for external communication and information sharing among all militaries, the NDRRMC and USAID/OFDA, and other international organizations, as necessary

•Coordinate unique military specific support requirements – Support Areas, de-confliction of airspace, movement of forces, and logistics

assets

•Develop / plan appropriate transition, engagement, and disengagement criteria for withdrawal of military support

•In conjunction with NDRRMC and assisting states, prioritize, coordinate and de-conflict foreign military assistance and support, including support coordinated by regional organizations such as the ASEAN AHA Centre

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MNCC Command-Control Overview

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DiscussionDiscussion