USAID Civilian-Military Cooperation
 Interaction between the civilian and military sides of the United States Government (USG) has received renewed attention during the US' recent attempts to secure itself against a host of unconventional, non-state military actors. Those in the developing world who don't have access to suitable economic activities may turn to violent extremist organizations for a sense of belonging. Development is the traditional method of creating economic opportunity in these regions. However, as home to extremist organizations, these areas are often dangerous, making development work difficult, if not impossible. The military can secure these areas, but without proper development assistance this security is unsustainable. Civilian-military cooperation resolves this dilemma by giving military and development activities equal standing in a single, coordinated effort.
The importance of development on a par with traditional military operations has been sanctioned by several policy documents and directives:
- The 2006 National Security Strategy acknowledges that poor nations pose a security threat to the US, that there is a complex relationship between poverty and insecurity, and that any comprehensive security policy must address international poverty.
- Department of Defense Directive (DODD) 3000.05, issued in November 2005, states that reconstruction and stabilization operations are a core military mission and should be given the same priority as combat operations. DODD 3000.05 also acknowledges that DOD is not the suitable agency to perform many of the functions associated with reconstruction and stabilization.
- National Security Presidential Directive (NSPD) 44, issued in December 2005, grants the Secretary of State the authority to coordinate all USG agencies involved in stabilization and reconstruction activities.
- "Peace and Security" is one of five objectives in the US Foreign Assistance Framework. This objective recognizes that development, defense, and diplomacy are all essential elements of US security.
As an equal partner in US security operations, USAID will:
- Use its field presence and professional expertise to influence the development dimensions of DOD strategic plans and stabilization and reconstruction activities.
- Increase its capacities to advance the role of development in USG interagency operations.
- Coordinate with DOD at many levels to improve program effectiveness.
USAID will maintain the following principles while playing an active role in preserving US security:
- USAID resources will not be diverted from its mission of development.
- Short term stabilization and reconstruction activities should be consistent with long term development goals.
- USAID will remain the USG's principle development agency and will maintain its long-term relations with a variety of partners, including local populations and host governments.
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