Military Forces And Private Security Companies Flashcards
1
Q
Learning Objectives
A
- Receive an introduction to the role of the military in humanitarian provision
- Understand the concept of humanitarian space
- Appreciate key factors in the risk and benefit of military contribution to humanitarian activity
- Have considered examples of military involvement in humanitarian relief operations
- Recognise the potential impact of Private Military & Security Companies
2
Q
What are the purposes of armed forces
A
- Protect the freedom and territorial integrity of: United Kingdom and dependent territories
- Act as a force for good by strengthening international peace and security
3
Q
List the military capabilities of the armed forces
A
- Security & Protection: Including: Civilians; Refugees; Supplies & transport. Mine/explosives clearance
- Logistics: Materiel/commodity management; Transport
- Engineering: Construction; Water supply; Sanitation
- Medical: Treatment; Preventive Medicine; Veterinary
- General: Readiness, Organisation
4
Q
What are the risks/costs of Military Involvement?
A
- Financial
- Political
- Duration
- Generalist vs Specialist
- Confusion with Humanitarian agencies: Impact on neutrality & impartiality
- Escalation
5
Q
Give 3 examples of military forces on operations
A
- Conventional military operations, with impact on civilians
- e.g. Invasion of Iraq
- International Humanitarian Law obligations: largely under Fourth Geneva Convention
- Ensure medical supplies for the civilian population
- Ensure the effective operation of medical services, including hospitals and public health programs, with special focus on preventing the spread of contagious diseases and epidemics
- when national or Humanitarian agencies are unable to act (e.g. for security or logistic reasons)
- Not primary mission of military commander; hand over to civilian agencies as soon as possible
6
Q
Give 3 examples of military forces on operations
A
- Planned Humanitarian/Disaster Relief Operations
- e.g. Ebola outbreak support in Sierra Leone
- Specific planned operations
- Support to others – civilian lead
- Likely working with Humanitarian agencies
- Humanitarian emergency/disaster relief as primary aim
- Militarily permissive foreign country
- Benign posture
7
Q
Give 3 examples of military forces on operations
A
- Military Assistance to Local Population
- ‘Hearts and minds’
- Targeted support
- Non-kinetic effect: associated with Support & Influence operations
- Conducted to achieve military objectives
- Not humanitarian
- Should liaise with Humanitarian Co-ordinator
8
Q
What does humanitarian space mean?
A
- “Humanitarian space” refers to an operational environment that allows humanitarian actors to provide assistance and services according to humanitarian principles and in line with international humanitarian law
- More than a physical space
- Principles, code of conduct and behaviour
- Humanitarians must have access to all vulnerable people in all areas and be free to negotiate such access with all parties to the conflict without fear of attack, retribution or undue pressure
9
Q
How is humanitarian assistance provided by military force? (PART 1)
A
- Direct military involvement in provision of humanitarian assistance is likely to raise concerns by IOs and NGOs
- UN guidelines state involvement of military forces in humanitarian activity inappropriate:
–may compromise humanitarian principles
–put the lives of aid workers at risk
–prejudice the success of the humanitarian operation - unless humanitarian agencies are unable or unwilling to provide the necessary assistance
10
Q
How is humanitarian assistance provided by military force? (PART 2)
A
- If humanitarian agencies are unable or unwilling to provide necessary assistance direct military support is acceptable
- Military should act in support of the most appropriate humanitarian agency
- Hand over responsibility as soon as suitable humanitarian resources are available.
11
Q
What affect do other nations have on humanitarian assistance?
A
- Civilian agency capacity & capability
- Local & National organisations
- Varying political drivers
12
Q
Describe the features of a private security company
A
- Private Military & Security Companies (PMSCs)
- Widespread use of mercenaries up to C19 & C20
- Established view of mercenaries:
- ‘Dogs of War’ mercenaries Africa 1960s and ‘70s
- Attractions: Accountability; attributability; cost
- Recent brand of corporate military soldiering >1990s
–e.g. Africa, Former Republic of Yugoslavia - Professionalisation and Corporatisation
13
Q
Provide some examples of private security companies
A
- Executive Outcomes (dissolved 1998): Angola 1993-94! Sierra Leone 1995, NE Nigeria 2015 (Boko Haram)
- Military Professional Resources Incorporated (MPRI): Former Republic of Yugoslavia 1995
- Iraq >2003: Blackwater; Dyncorp
•Wagner Group (private?): Syria; Libya
14
Q
Provide some examples of the activities carried out by private security companies
A
- Direct combat (diminishing proportion)
- Specialist security provision: e.g. guarding, close protection, dog handling
- De-mining
- Military advice and training; mentoring
- Police advice and training
- Medical services
- Logistical support
- Routine support e.g. maintenance, laundry services
15
Q
List some concerns about private security companies
A
- Not new: Sandline PNG 1994; Equatorial Guinea 2004
- Increasing scale of use: 2004; second largest foreign contingent in Iraq = 20,000 PSC and PMC personnel in various roles. Cost to Defence/International budgets; est $210 Bn 2010
- Increasing visibility: Involvement in prominent conflicts. Comparative transparency of corporations & Govt funding. Global media
