Photos That Show the Best of Civilian-Military Cooperation
During National Military Appreciation Month, USAID celebrates a long history of partnership with the Department of Defense, which has helped us deliver assistance to the people around the world who need it most.
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. — African proverb
We cannot end extreme poverty and build resilient, democratic societies by working alone. Partnerships are critical to tackle complex and evolving challenges around the world.
At USAID, we work with partners like the Department of Defense on a daily basis in Washington and at field missions around the world. Civilian-military cooperation is a powerful tool to support our international development efforts while also strengthening U.S. national security interests.
When we work together, we save more lives and we empower more individuals and societies to realize their potential.
Below are four photos showing civilian-military cooperation over the years. This partnership is helping build a world where everyone has the opportunity to live in peace and prosperity. These are select winners of a USAID photo contest, judged by a panel from both agencies.
Improving Education in Afghanistan
USAID and the U.S. military have worked together on several development projects in Afghanistan, including the reconstruction of elementary and secondary schools, provision of school supplies and facilities to encourage girls’ attendance at schools (like the young Kuchi girl pictured), reconstruction of roads and irrigation canals in agricultural areas to improve food security, the establishment of a radio station to provide adult literacy and technical training programs throughout the district, and the improvement of marketplaces and flood control structures in villages to improve commerce.
Promoting Peace in Macedonia
In Macedonia, USAID and the Department of Defense are working to broaden educational opportunities and foster cultural appreciation and understanding among youth. USAID’s Interethnic Integration in Education Project promotes positive interactions among students and teachers in former conflict areas, trains school officials on integrated learning approaches, provides incentives for school renovations, and establishes demonstration schools that serve as models for peace and cohesion throughout the country. The U.S. European Command transferred $2.5 million for a renovation program for participating schools. By the program’s end, more than 60 schools will be renovated and more than 300 partnerships will have been established between schools with different ethnic majorities. In the photo, students high-five a U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant at the primary school Bratstvo Edinstvo, Municipality of Ohrid.
Planting trees in Lebanon
A young girl plants a cedar tree with a Lebanese Army officer in Bcharre–Lebanon (north region) during a 2013 reforestation campaign to build awareness of a biocorridor that links the ancient forests of Bcharre and Tannourine. The activity resulted in the planting of 2,300 seedlings in the region. The campaign was organized by the USAID-funded Lebanon Reforestation Initiative in collaboration with the Lebanese Armed Forces Civil-Military Cooperative. The initiative provides technical assistance and institutional support for sustainable native tree reforestation and wildfire prevention in Lebanon, in collaboration with grassroots organizations and local communities.
Responding to Nepal’s Earthquake
U.S. Marines and Nepalese soldiers unload boxes of USAID plastic sheeting off of a UH-1Y Huey at Orang, Nepal, on May 19, 2015. USAID led the U.S. Government’s disaster response after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal on April 25, 2015. Over a three-week period, the U.S. military provided critical unique capabilities to support USAID’s response efforts, including the delivery of 114 tons of emergency relief supplies to remote villages, evacuation of earthquake survivors, and the transportation of more than 530 humanitarian personnel.
About the Author
John Acree is Director of the Office of Civilian-Military Cooperation within the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance at USAID. Check out more on USAID’s work with other U.S. Government agencies and military.
