Which agency do military forces typically follow the lead of when involved in stability tasks?

Military forces typically follow the lead of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) when involved in stability tasks because USAID is the primary U.S. government agency responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance. Its initiatives are designed to help countries transition to stability and self-sufficiency.

In stability operations, the role of military forces often overlaps with that of diplomatic and development efforts, and USAID plays a crucial role in the reconstruction and humanitarian assistance aspects of these missions. By aligning with USAID, military forces ensure that their efforts are complementary to civilian-led activities aimed at promoting long-term stability, which includes rebuilding infrastructure, establishing governance, and supporting economic development.

This integration is necessary because effective stability operations require a whole-of-government approach, where military, diplomatic, and development efforts are coordinated. USAID’s expertise in managing socio-economic programs and fostering local governance is invaluable in supporting the overall objectives of stability operations.