Relationships in Multinational Missions and Operations: Military-To-Military Dimension

Abstract

This chapter is based on an analysis of the experiences in multinational missions and operations of the military from eight countries: Bulgaria, Cameroun, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Lithuania, Philippines, and Spain. It is expected the analysis to further deepen theory and expertise on managing multinationality in coalition operations to successfully meet the desired end state of these operations. Some of the conclusions might be useful also for improving professional military education and training, as well as leadership skills to work in a multinational environment. The following key issues are discussed in the chapter: (a) Coalition hierarchy and degree of autonomy for making independent decisions; (b) Command relationships within coalition forces and patterns of everyday personal relationships among coalition partners; (c) Interoperability issues in multinational coalition forces; (d) Interactions of coalition forces with local militaries. In conclusion, some implications for practice regarding the planning and execution of multinational military operations, as well as professional military education and training of the participants in such operations are summarised.