JP 3-0, page 124

Chapter V V-18 JP 3-0 6. Other Considerations a. Interagency, Intergovernmental, and Nongovernmental Organizations and Host Nation Coordination. There is an increased need for the military to work with interorganizational and HN authorities to plan and conduct military engagement, security cooperation, and deterrence operations and activities. Liaison organizations such as a JIACG can help promote interaction and cooperation among diverse agencies. Consensus building is a primary task and can be aided by understanding each agency’s capabilities and limitations as well as any constraints that may preclude the use of a capability. The goal—to develop and promote the unity of effort needed to accomplish a specific mission—can be achieved by establishing an atmosphere of trust and cooperation. For further discussion on interorganizational coordination, refer to JP 3-08, Interorganizational Coordination During Joint Operations. b. Information Sharing. NGOs and IGOs, by the very nature of what they do, become familiar with the infrastructure in a region and the culture, language, sensitivities, and status of the populace. This information is very valuable to commanders and staffs who may have neither access nor current information. NGOs and IGOs also may need information from commanders and staffs concerning security issues. However, these organizations hold neutrality as a fundamental principle. They will resist being used as sources of intelligence, and they may be hesitant to associate with the military. Careful coordination is necessary to maintain their neutrality. Consequently, the JFC should establish mechanisms like a CMOC or a similar organization to coordinate activities and facilitate information sharing. IGOs and NGOs will likely participate if they perceive that mutual sharing of information aids their work and is not a threat to their neutrality. c. Cultural Awareness. The social, economic, and political environments in which security cooperation activities occur require a great degree of cultural understanding. Military support and operations that are intended to support a friendly HN require an in- depth understanding of the HN’s cultural and political realities because of the increased likelihood that military elements will be required to work with and among the HN population. A fundamental requirement for military success is a sound understanding of the operational environment. This requires a careful study of the geography, population, and culture. The JFC may augment Service-provided language and cultural awareness training and tailor these to the JOA and mission. This also requires intelligence and engagement strategies and actions that provide a continuously updated picture of relevant “Instead of thinking about warfighting agencies like command and control, you create a political committee, a civil-military operations center to interface with volunteer organizations. These become the heart of your operations, as opposed to a combat or fire-support operations center.” Lieutenant General A. C. Zinni, US Marine Corps Commanding General, I Marine Expeditionary Force 1994-1996