I have avoided addressing the Haiti situation because it has pretty much been covered elsewhere in excruciating detail. So let’s cover the highlights:
- Natural disaster strikes.
- US immediately sorties assets to evaluate situation.
- Concurrently follow on assets readied to address anticipated logistical requirements.
- US forces recalled, deployed, and diverted from current missions to assist.
- International community complains loudly about US controlling and monopolizing the logistics train.
- Affected locals complain about insufficient assistance, and slow support.
- Celebrities and news crews on site for “in depth” coverage and photo ops.
- US picks up costs of effort without comment.
Now all of this is necessary, and given the magnitude of the event it takes some time to get assets in place, assistance moving, and the situation stabilized. That is the nature of anything that impacts so many people. But, to stabilize the situation and get to the point that widespread basic services can be restored, and long term rebuilding can begin these steps have to happen.
But there is that short term period of time before the supply chain gets rolling where small teams of individuals, with the right mindset, the right skill set, and the support of a grass roots team can make all the difference in the world.
This is the story of Team Rubicon, the Marines, soldiers, and volunteers that are making a difference.