he worked on the publication of the UN ’ s initial POC concept 8 and training materials that specified measures by military components to enhance protection of civilians .
The five officers in the Planning Cell , who were assigned to work on the POC theme , were all experienced in POC , having served in UN peacekeeping missions deployed in Cyprus , Kuwait , Liberia , Haiti , Congo and Central African Republic .
Finally , the military units subordinated to the 1st UNMNBDE increased the dynamic realism for the plans and actions to be executed at the tactical level . The feedback from the subordinate units enhanced the POC planning process within the 1st UNMNBDE Plans Cell , and ensured the resultant POC strategy emphasized proactive and practical actions for maximum effectiveness .
1 st UNMNBDE PoC Strategy
Current doctrine advocates establishing successive POC levels of security . For example , the UN doctrine on the subject , found in the document Implementing Guidelines for Military Components of UN Peacekeeping Missions 9 states that POC is provided through three different tiers : Protection through Dialogue and Engagement , Provision of Physical Protection , and Establishing a Protective Environment .
In its primary reference on POC , PKSOI identifies four POC layers ( see diagram ). 10 The first layer is physical protection against imminent threats of violence . The second is the provision of basic human needs , such as food and health . The next level is characterized by the promotion of human rights . Finally , the last layer includes enabling conditions for POC . The theory can be understood like one nucleus enveloped by successive layers of protection depicted in the following image .
The UN DPKO / DFS POC implementing guidance , mentioned earlier , addresses military tactical actions in the context of four phases to ensure the protection of civilians : prevention , preemption , response , and consolidation .
This collective theoretical foundation was the basis for the 1ST UNMNBDE ’ s POC strategy , and enabled the military component ’ s proactive initiative during the exercise . Strategy formulation was initiated by the Brigade Commander ’ s written guidance , which specified the main topics to be addressed , with special attention to the conflict situation , ultimately resulting in practical orders for immediate execution by the Brigade ’ s units .
From this conceptual framework , the Planning cell began its work . Based on the exercise situation , the vulnerable populations were identified with the support of all the military staff cells . In addition , a specific study about possible factors that could threaten the civilian population within the Brigade ’ s Area of Responsibility ( AOR ) was carried out . This data was analyzed , informing the tasks assigned to subordinate military units during all four phases discussed earlier .
As an example , in the prevention phase , emphasis was placed on patrolling roads and key locations , as well as the establishment of links with local stakeholders ( e . g ., community leaders , local security forces , humanitarian organizations , etc ). In the preemptive phase , the pre-positioning of troops was recommended in strategic regions . In the response phase , the Brigade deployed quick reaction forces with aerial and land mobility . Finally , in the consolidation phase , the Brigade used quick impact projects to support stabilization , thus enhancing POC .
Once the 1st UNMNBDE ’ s initial POC strategy was prepared , incorporating the practical knowledge of the Planning Cell members , the theoretical bases discussed earlier , and humanitarian doctrine of Protection of Civilians , 11 the civil and the police components were consulted to improve the planning . This civil and police integration enhanced the effcetiveness of 1st UNMNBDE ’ s POC strategy , which was fully achieved through coordinated actions among civilians , military , police , local authorities , humanitarian agencies , community leaders , and other protagonists in civil society . 12
The final step was to issue a Brigade Operation Order ( OPORD ) on POC , which was still in development at the end of the exercise . Nevertheless , the strategy was an important tool
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