1. Multinational Coordination Center
(MNCC)
Good morning/afternoon/evening.
My name is . I am from the US PACIFIC COMMAND Training & Exercises Directorate (J7). (I am representing the multinational planning augmentation team (MPAT) secretariat.)
24 July 2015

2. Agenda References Background Purpose Assumptions Tasks Organization &
Structure
MNCC in the Philippines

3. References Multinational Force Standing Operating Procedures (MNF SOP)
Part D, Chapter 1, Annex C, Appendix 7 (HA/DR Multinational Coordination Center)
Link to MNF SOP:
Link to MNF SOP HA/DR Annex:
(See also MNCC section of HA/DR CONOPS in Appendix 6 of MNF SOP HADR Procedures)

4. Purpose
A MNCC is a multinational coordination center that facilitates coordination and cooperation of foreign military forces with the affected state to support humanitarian assistance and disaster (HA/DR) relief missions
This briefing recommends a “start point” for MNCC formation & operations
The MNCC should be adjusted to fit specific circumstances of multinational military relief to an affected country or countries

5. Purpose
Multinational military operations require coordination between militaries – normally done by:
Exchange of Liaison Officers
Establishment of a Multinational Staff Coordination Process Cross-Functional Elements
(Boards, Bureaus, Cells, Centers or Work Groups)
Combination of Liaison Officers and Cross-Functional Organizations
There are generally two types of MNCCs:
CTF (Coalition or Combined Task Force) MNCC
HA/DR (Humanitarian Assistance / Disaster Relief) MNCC

6. Purpose Two key differences between the CTF MNCC and a HA/DR MNCC:
A CTF MNCC relies on formal command relationships among military forces while a HADR MNCC does not
HA/DR MNCC will operate at the UNCLASSIFIED level of information sharing
MNCC operations should be limited so they do NOT undermine proper coordination mechanisms of the affected state’s national disaster management system
The MNCC should focus coordination on providing unique military support or niche skills to civilian efforts
Coordinating military multilateral capabilities

7. HADR MNCC Purpose
A HA/DR MNCC is a multinational coordination center that facilitates coordination and cooperation of foreign military forces with the affected nation to support HADR missions
The MNCC organization and tasks should be tailored to the situation
Affected state leads the
MNCC
Once the foreign military members have agreed upon specific MNCC tasks and organization, they can then develop detailed procedures

8. HADR MNCC Assumptions
The affected state still exercises sovereignty and is functioning throughout the country
The affected state government (including its military) is able to prioritize and coordinate requirements
It then make these requirements known to international disaster response agencies and other countries
Affected state government has designated a
National Disaster Management Organization (NDMO) or
Local Emergency Management Authority (LEMA) or
At least key points of contact for international assistance

9. HADR Assumptions Most foreign military assistance will be based on:
Existing arrangements or
New bilateral or multilateral arrangements
Non-military coordinating mechanisms will most likely be operational in nature
These should be factored into the foreign militaries’ planning
Example humanitarian mechanisms:
Cluster Approach, UNDAC, CMCoord, OSOCC / Virtual OSOCC, HOC, UNHAS, etc.
Example regional mechanisms:
ASEAN AHA Centre, SASOP, ERAT, etc.
Validity of these assumptions may cause these procedures to be modified during the HADR operation

10. MNCC Tasks Deconflict operations in the same geographical area
Coordinate needs assessments with affected state, United Nations and other assisting humanitarian organizations
Avoid duplication of assets and capabilities (subject to political considerations of the foreign military force countries) to the greatest extent possible
Prioritize military support based on
the affected state priorities
This includes assisting and support
to the Humanitarian Community

11. MNCC Tasks
Establish liaison with appropriate host nation / affected state civil government, relief agencies, and military; the Humanitarian Community; etc
If not done by the host nation / affected state, establish an unclassified local area network (LAN), internet and network for information sharing among the Affected, Assisting, and Humanitarian Community
In conjunction with the host nation / affected state, and Humanitarian Community, develop appropriate transition / engagement / disengagement criteria
Includes a transition plan for multinational military support

12. MNCC Organization & Structure
Director / leader: From the affected state
Organized into cells to facilitate tasks of coordination between militaries in support of the affected state and humanitarian community:
Information-sharing Cell
Request for Assistance (RFA) Cell
Operations Cell
Planning Cell
Civil-Military (Humanitarian /Affected State) Coordination Cells
Public Affairs / Media Cell
Note: MNCC Leadership & organization will likely change and adjust to developments in the situation / requirements

13. MNCC Organization in the Philippines
As an option instead of a MNCC, the government of the Philippines may use a Civil Military Coordination Center (CMCC)
May be established by NDRRMC to include civilian agencies, UN CMCoord officers, AFP and international militaries
This CMCC might be established at national level or tactical level and function as an all-inclusive coordination mechanism
The MNCC should only be established if liaison mechanisms are insufficient to assist in military-to-military coordination
While the MNCC is a proven means of improving coordination between parallel military efforts and with the humanitarian community in major operations, its utility may be duplicative in less demanding operations
The decision to establish a MNCC) must be decided early in planning through coordination with appropriate civilian agencies.

14. MNCC Tasks in the Philippines
Coordinate support of needs assessments with NDRRMC and others
Avoid duplication of assets and capabilities
Prioritize military assistance in support of NDCC and assisting states
Establish liaison with NDRRMC and designated affected state civil government, relief agencies, and military, and other as necessary
Facilitate establishment of an unclassified local area network, internet, and network for external communication and information sharing among all militaries, the NDRRMC and USAID/OFDA, and other international organizations, as necessary
Coordinate unique military specific support requirements
Support Areas, de-confliction of airspace, movement of forces, and logistics assets
Develop / plan appropriate transition, engagement, and disengagement criteria for withdrawal of military support
In conjunction with NDRRMC and assisting states, prioritize, coordinate and de-conflict foreign military assistance and support, including support coordinated by regional organizations such as the ASEAN AHA Centre

15. MNCC Command-Control Overview

16. Discussion