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Purpose

Logistical support and interoperability issues can inhibit a nation's ability to participate as fully as it might in complex contingency operations. On the field, they can inhibit the ability to properly execute the mission.

Background

Nations volunteer to be part of a multinational force or UN peacekeeping mission with specific contributions. The ability to participate is complicated by differences in logistical capabilities. While many nations have found ways to work around these challenges, efficiencies on the ground could be improved and full participation enhanced if these obstacles were overcome through institutional changes, negotiated arrangements, or other means.

Discussion Points

1. What are the implications of logistic support in complex emergencies?
2. What alternate support models are valid in the Asia Pacific region?
3. How can logistics support be better coordinated in peace operations and complex emergencies?
4. How do current lessons from East Timor and Ethiopia-Eritrea provide blueprints for Asia and Pacific nations?
5. How do logistical needs of a UN peace support mission or complex emergency impact the local economy?
6. How do we build logistical capacities to support UN missions?

Discussion Summary

The main issue of logistics is money. Making it cost effective means working with a regional effort. Sharing facilities, such as utilizing current peacekeeping training centers, is a good cooperative activity that yields benefits. For many smaller or developing countries, there is will to participate but others may have to pick up the costs. Funding should come from the UN to contract the logistics portion, and then the country works with another who is willing and capable of meeting the logistics support role.

A Logistics Capabilities system for the UN is in the planning phases, with individual countries such as Canada and The Netherlands taking the lead. This is a system where the UN will arrange for the bids. The LOG CAP (Logistical Capabilities) concept is important when you don't have the logistical capabilities to lead; a security structure will also be formed through these kinds of efforts. The U.S. should support these endeavors because it is good for the Pacific area.

Logistics is a UN responsibility, because the UN is a political body. Otherwise, if logistics were required to be brought to the table, most troop contributing nations would have to be screened out of participating because they do not have the capacity to logistically support UN peacekeeping missions. Support can be provided in some cases by contractors, but not for sustained operations.

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