The Commanders Emergency Response Program in Afghanistan: Refining U.S. Military Capabilities in Stability and In-Conflict Development Activities

Abstract

The U.S. military has become substantially engaged in the development and stabilization space and will likely continue to operate in this space for some time to come. Analyzing the Commanders Emergency Response Program in Afghanistan, we look at the scope and rationale for development related activities carried out by the U.S. military. Acknowledging that tensions have arisen between the development community and the U.S. military in Afghanistan, we discuss the scope for improving the U.S. military’s capabilities in carrying out development-related activities in in-conflict zones. Specifically, we propose five policy changes for the U.S. military - improving education and training for military officers, reforming authorities and doctrine, understanding the dominant sectors of the economy, monitoring outcomes, and increasing awareness of unintended consequences.