Noncombatant Evacuation Operation

Definition/Scope: (JP 3-68) Noncombatant evacuation operations (NEOs) are conducted to assist the Department of State (DOS) in evacuating US citizens, Department of Defense (DOD) civilian personnel, and designated host nation (HN) and third country nationals whose lives are in danger from locations in a foreign nation to an appropriate safe haven. The command and control structure and the political and diplomatic factors involved in timing the execution of the military support of NEOs make them different from other military operations. During NEOs the US ambassador, not the combatant commander (CCDR) or subordinate joint force commander (JFC), is the senior United States Government (USG) authority for the evacuation and, as such, is ultimately responsible for the successful completion of the NEO and the safety of the evacuees. The decision to evacuate a US embassy and the order to execute a NEO is political. Although normally considered in connection with hostile action, evacuation may also be conducted in anticipation of, or in response to, any natural or man-made disaster.

Used For:

evacuation of US citizens
US citizens evacuation

Acronym:

NEO

Broader Terms:

Department of Defense Directive 3025.14
Department of Defense Directive 3025.14 Protection and Evacuation of US Citizens and Designated Aliens in Danger Areas Abroad
Department of State
embassy
evacuation
Executive Order 12656 Assignment of Emergency Preparedness Responsibilities
Joint Forces Commander
Limited intervention

Narrower Terms:

diplomacy
Evacuation control center
noncombatant
Safe Haven

Related Terms:

ambassador
Emergency Action Plan
evacuee
sanction enforcement
strike
World Health Organization