Future Lessons from the Afghan Evacuation: The Role of Volunteer Aid in the US Military's Future, as Illustrated by the Digital Dunkirk Scenario
In the turbulent weeks leading up to the deadline for the cessation of military operations in Afghanistan, a group of unofficial auxiliaries emerged, demonstrating that capabilities typically associated with the military can be wielded by unofficial groups. These groups, composed of a diverse array of professionals, including military members, veterans, aid workers, business professionals, congressional staff, and others, felt emboldened to establish order amidst chaos.
One such group, known as Task Force Phoenix or affiliated local evacuation groups, operated independently of military control and primarily facilitated the safe passage of Afghan allies. During this precarious period, they were instrumental in setting up virtual tactical operations centers, intelligence gathering, fundraising, communicating with stakeholders, coordinating logistics, and even moving directly into the theater to escort Afghans.
Their efforts created a modern-day Underground Railroad, moving evacuees from location to location, circumventing the Taliban en route to the Kabul airport. One Instagram influencer, Tommy Marcus, raised over $6.7 million with a GoFundMe campaign to fund private flights out of Afghanistan.
These unsanctioned military activities, however, pose risks. Compromised communications and unsanctioned military activity could counter or distract from the US mission. Laura Keenan, a lieutenant colonel in the District of Columbia Army National Guard, suggests that the Department of Defense can incorporate lessons learned and capacity from ad hoc auxiliaries without diluting creativity and grit, but her views do not reflect the official position of the United States Military Academy, Department of the Army, or Department of Defense.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution emphasizes the importance of the military enhancing digital literacy, embracing accessible technology, and welcoming thought leadership from private sectors. The formal creation of a DoD auxiliary could give credibility, empowerment, and active coordination to individuals and groups whose efforts are aligned with the US government.
The Defense Innovation Unit's Gig Eagle app proposal suggests that auxiliary members could contribute to 'task rabbit' tasks during crises. An auxiliary could provide a structure to avoid duplication of efforts and pre-vet individuals to solve problems. Unsanctioned military activity, however, should be carefully managed to ensure alignment with the US mission and to mitigate risks.
Staff Sgt. Victor Mancilla, US Marine Corps, is credited for the image used in this article. The recent clout of ad hoc auxiliaries underscores the potential for private sector engagement in crisis response, a concept that has been considered by the military, with the military even seeking public input on renaming military bases.
One notable instance began with a former Afghan interpreter reaching out for help. Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Torres responded, connecting with a group of individuals to assist his former colleague out of Afghanistan in late August. The success of these ad hoc auxiliaries during the Afghanistan crisis highlights the potential for private sector involvement in future crisis response efforts.
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