Transformational initiatives in civil-military operations: STAR-TIDES and maritime environments

Abstract

The Department of Defense is increasingly involved in missions such as post-war stabilization and reconstruction, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief, and building the capacity of partner nations. An international, knowledge-sharing research program called STAR-TIDES examines innovative approaches to public-private collaboration and “whole-of-government” solutions to provide affordable, sustainable support to stressed populations in these environments. STAR-TIDES encourages unity of effort among diverse organizations where there is no unity of command. It addresses problems through seven broad action areas: - Gather, share, and evaluate information about capabilities - Develop social networks and build trust - Align policy, doctrine and field operating procedures - Resolve legal and regulatory constraints - Address resource requirements - Train, exercise and educate, and - Integrate with associated activities. Implementing these measures requires crosscutting changes among people, processes, operations, and technology in complex, civil-military environments that are every bit as transformational as high-end warfare initiatives. STAR-TIDES approaches have been examined extensively in terrestrial contingencies, but not yet in maritime ones. This paper focuses on their application to maritime environments and their effects on the Sea Services.