What is Interagency Cooperation?

Interagency cooperation is the interaction between various elements of the Department of Defense and relevant US government agencies and departments to achieve unity of effort (Sergeants Major Academy, 2016). The CCDRs and other JTF commanders consider every relevant federal body when integrating efforts to achieve unity of effort (Sergeants Major Academy, 2016). The CSS and NSA are good examples of unity of effort and interagency cooperation. However, in the military, unity of effort is established through a unity of command (Sergeants Major Academy, 2016). Commanders coordinate with relevant individuals to achieve common goals. Commanders must understand the limits of their capabilities and resources as well as those of their coordinating partners. Such an understanding is essential to reduce the chances of misunderstanding and friction among relevant agencies.

Interagency cooperation also flourishes when critical information flows smoothly from one agency to another. Commanders who are committed to interorganizational cooperation recognize how external organizations affect the JFC (Sergeants Major Academy, 2016). These commanders develop relations through influence and communication, which aid in their JFC. Moreover, a common operating picture in interagency operations helps in operational development and execution (Sergeants Major Academy, 2016). Unity of effort and interagency cooperation bring about the required mutual understanding of an operational environment. Unity of action allows for the translation of national objectives to unified action (Sergeants Major Academy, 2016). Commanders also need to use compatible measures of progress in their interagency cooperation. It is also paramount for commanders to be able to change course if necessary to improve on unity of effort thus increase the likelihood of a positive outcome in their interagency cooperation.

Reference 

Sergeants Major Academy. (2016). Interorganizational Cooperation (JP 3-08).