Lectures of Opportunity: "When Disaster Strikes"

When Disaster Strikes: How USAID and the Department of Defense Work Together to Save Lives

When disaster strikes overseas—hurricanes, earthquakes, conflict and more—the American people often rush to help those in need. Behind these relief operations are professionals from USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, which responds to more than 60 disasters around the world each year. In some of the most challenging environments, USAID calls upon the unique capabilities of the Department of Defense to provide assistance. This discussion will cover the U.S. Government’s role in foreign disaster relief, USAID’s role as the lead federal coordinator, and how USAID works with the military during steady-state operations and during response to provide assistance to communities reeling from disaster.

About this Lecture

Lectures of Opportunity offer U.S. Naval War College (NWC) students, faculty, and staff an opportunity to learn more about national and international socio-political subjects that may be of relevance to the NWC community.