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Interagency Operation

The national security policy directives are presidential directives or the contemporary interagency integration that are aimed at managing complex crises especially in foreign countries, for example Operation Restore Democracy (1994) in Haiti. Interagency operations are and will be successful in the future following the upholding of the joint doctrine. With efficient coordination between state agencies, the response to emerging security problems can be effective. Additionally, the directives are specific and are formed to address specific issues that are of security concern.

The specific nature of these directives enables the specific problems to be solved exhaustively. Another contributor to the success of interagency processes is that they are thoroughly inclusive, that is, each organization brings its own skills and practices to the interagency process. Besides the inclusiveness, the planning of the operations is thorough and rehearsals are held before the actual operation. As a consequence, there is always a likelihood of success in such operations.

The challenge with the directives is that they are made by the executive. According to Newman (2003), different presidents have different leadership styles, and some have been known to bypass the use of interagency integration (p.13). It is noteworthy that most of the interagency NSPD are formed more often than not as responsive measures to arising challenges than they are for proactive purposes. This means that problems will almost always come before these directives are given, and therefore they may not be effective currently and in the future. According to Bradford and Mendel (1995), unless a national interagency system and process is considered desirable, the function of multiagency operation will remain in the offices of separate government organizations (p.22). In addition, there is little documented guidance for joint and service commanders to explain their roles and responsibilities in the process of interagency integration. In conclusion, proper planning and execution of plans in interagency operations, coupled with pro-active integration of agencies to address crises before they are widespread will always ensure the success of these directives.

References

Bradford, D. & Mendel, W. (1995). Interagency Cooperation a Regional Model for Overseas operations. Washington, DC: DIANE Publishing.

Newmann, W. (2003). Managing National Security Policy: The President and the Process. Pittsburgh, PA: University of Pittsburgh Press.