Social, cultural and organizational differences between U.S. military forces (USMs), multinational forces (MNFs), other U.S. and foreign government agencies (OGAs) and nongovernment organizations (NGOs) make interactions between members of these organizations engaged in stability, security, transition and reconstruction operations (SSTR) less effective.

There is a wide diversity of organizations and cultures among the community engaged in SSTR. The organizations typically include USMs, MNFs, other OGAs and NGOs.

The events of 911, the Indonesian Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina each revealed fundamental problems with communication, coordination and collaboration between first responders from different organizations, be they military units from different services, different levels of government, nonprofit aid organizations or other agencies. These problems are intensified during post combat SSTR operations conducted in the midst of insurgency, terrorism, and criminality.

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