Interagency Integration in Phase Z

: The United States emphasizes a whole-of-government approach to protect its national security interests. Given that the United States is most often in Phase Zero, or involved in a unified effort short of war, the United States must closely examine the effectiveness of the current interagency system during this phase. Not only is interagency integration in Phase Zero worth examining because the United States is most often in Phase Zero abroad, but there are certain conditions within Phase Zero that inherently lead to more friction in the interagency process. The conditions in the Horn of Africa (HOA) in 2006 was one particular instance that caused friction between the commander of Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF) HOA and the Chief of Mission (COM)-Nairobi. This case study highlights conditions in Phase Zero that inherently lead to interagency friction due to an insufficient national security structure. The recommendations to improve interagency action divide into levels of political feasibility. Some solutions are difficult to implement because they require modifications to the national security system. A politically feasible solution is one that does not require any national security reform and is a concept that is already in practice within the interagency realm.