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IMPORTANT:
You must register for the Event and the Hotel SEPARATELY. Links
are on the left-hand menu.
Background
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The Interoperable Regional
Humanitarian Assistance and Natural Disasters Training
Program (INTERHANDS) is an introductory five-day program
designed to provide military and civilian members with
basic information about disaster management and related
issues with case studies focusing on Latin American and
Caribbean area of operations. Graduates of this course
will be better prepared to accomplish disaster relief
and humanitarian assistance missions, as prescribed by
their command in the theater of operation.
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Mission
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INTERHANDS is being developed
by the CDMHA with contribution and input by USSOUTHCOM
staff. Recognizing the need to incorporate a civil-military
component into current military training, this program
is designed to prepare active and reserve military components
to function in a multi-force theater of operations in
coordination with civilian relief organizations. The communication
and collaboration achieved by crossing professional boundaries
and understanding diverse agencies’ roles is designed
to help prevent and minimize major health and other catastrophes
that commonly result from complex emergencies. This improved
understanding and collaboration will further optimize
solutions aimed at minimizing uncertainties and mishaps
that commonly result from natural disasters and other
emergencies.
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Needs
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The CINC has outlined the
need for a progressively larger number of SOUTHCOM personnel
capable of rapid deployment throughout the SOUTHCOM AOR.
These personnel have to be able to work with senior US
and host nation representatives on the various aspects
of a multitude of different mission types. They need to
possess the requisite background in disaster relief and
humanitarian assistance procedures for any mission regardless
of type. The INTERHANDS program will help provide this
background needed to be immediately effective as a member
of an operational staff at all levels.
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A large component of the
CDMHA’s mission is to facilitate civil-military collaboration
so that those coming from the military and other “cultures”-be
it an NGO, a governmental agency, or a foreign military-can
work together more efficiently and cohesively in the field
than ever before. As the frequency of U.S. military participation
in natural disaster and complex emergency situations rises,
the knowledge gained by this training will prove to be
critical.
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Goals & Objectives
The course is designed to enhance knowledge and understanding
of risk, crisis, disaster management and humanitarian assistance
by:
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Providing a thorough grounding
in the principles and management of crises and disasters.
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Enabling students to coordinate
effectively within the US military structure and among
US and Host Government institutions, international organizations,
regional organizations, and Non Government Organizations
during disasters and humanitarian operations.
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Informing students about
recent developments in risk, crisis, disaster management
and humanitarian assistance
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Equip students to identify
key information requirements for conducting initial disaster
and needs assessments
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The five-day program emphasizes
an understanding of the major participants, lessons learned
from previous disaster scenarios and complex emergencies,
security issues, logistics, civil-military operations,
concerns of refugees and internally displaced persons,
key public health issues, international humanitarian law,
and measures of effectiveness as some of the primary topics
focusing on the USSOUTHCOM AOR.
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Notes
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This course is designed
for personnel serving in leadership positions of organizations
that plan and execute disaster relief operations, or develop
and execute such policy, or conduct educational/training
programs in support of these operations. It is also appropriate
for those operating at the tactical and operational levels
and higher as well as for civilians/military members of
agencies and host nations working closely with SOUTHCOM
in disaster and emergency planning.
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Participants may apply to
Tulane University's Graduate School in order to receive
one graduate credit for successfully completing the five-day
INTERHANDS program. For more information and procedures
for application, see Special Students (non-degree) under
the Graduate School website at: http://www.tulane.edu/~gradprog/grad98/appage.htm#specialstu.
INTERHANDS is course number APPD 798.
Submit your forms directly to Ms. Sheila Favalora at
favalora@tulane.edu
or mail them to:
Ms. Sheila Favalora
6823 St. Charles Ave.,
300 Hebert Hall
New Orleans, LA 70118
Waivers of the $45.00 application fee will be made
on a case-by-case basis.
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