When collaborating with civilian responders, military actors should:

Collaborating effectively with civilian responders is crucial in humanitarian assistance, and attending civilian-led meetings when invited is essential for fostering communication and cooperation. This approach encourages alignment of objectives, sharing of information, and optimization of resources among all stakeholders involved in a response effort. By participating in these meetings, military actors can better understand the context and needs of the civilian response while also providing their unique capabilities where appropriate.

Engaging in civilian-led meetings enhances the coordination process, ensuring that military support complements civilian efforts rather than duplicating or undermining them. It demonstrates respect for the civilian-led nature of humanitarian responses and promotes a collaborative environment that ultimately leads to more effective outcomes.

In contrast, holding separate meetings might create silos, reducing the opportunity for collaboration and misunderstanding priorities. Only participating when it is convenient undermines the commitment necessary for an effective partnership. Focusing solely on logistical operations would ignore the broader picture of humanitarian aid, which relies heavily on coordination, communication, and collaboration with civilian entities.