scope:

INTRODUCTION

The military forces of NATO Nations have participated in humanitarian assistance (HA) missions in the past. The techniques and procedures resulting from these experiences are now being tested in situations of growing scope and complexity. In the future, HA missions will likely transition into multinational force operations involving a coalition of NATO and non-NATO forces.

HA may be defined as follows:

"Programs conducted to relieve or reduce the results of natural or manmade disasters or other endemic conditions such as human pain, disease, hunger, or privation that might present a serious threat to life or result in a great loss of property. HA provided by extra-national forces is limited in scope and duration. The assistance provided is designed to supplement or complement the efforts of the host nation civil authorities or agencies that have the primary responsibility for providing HA."