[NATIONAL MILITARY STRATEGY] MINISTRY OF DEFENCE 6. SUPPORT TO CIVILIAN AUTHORITIES DURING NATURAL AND MANMADE DISASTERS One of the missions of the GAF is to support civilian authorities during emergencies. The GAF shall be ready to rapidly mobilize its resources and assist local authorities in mitigating the consequences caused by natural and manmade disasters when needed. Efficiency of execution depends on high quality interagency coordination and cooperation. 6.1. Support to the “National Response Plan on Natural and Manmade Emergency Situations” The “National Response Plan on Natural and Manmade Emergency Situations” (NRP) enhances the unity of response plans by stipulating assistance to civilian authorities during natural and manmade emergencies as well as improving the safety of the population. The GAF is assigned to support NRP requirements within its capabilities to support coordinated interagency response with relevant material-technical resources. 6.1.1. Interagency Coordination and Cooperation During natural and manmade disasters and in accordance to Georgian legislation the GAF are responsible for supporting specific requests of the Government’s relevant crisis management response coordination agency. According to the NRP, the General Staff shall develop a GAF support plan for response to natural and manmade emergencies. The action plan shall define necessary forces/capabilities, scenarios, purpose of units involved in providing assistance to authorities, operational principles, collaboration with different Government agencies and identification of availability of resources (human/material). Additionally, the response to emergencies shall require establishment of close cooperation between all interagency actors and civil society. Such collaboration will be essential in reducing the response time following an incident and increase the effectiveness of relief efforts. | Support to Civilian Authorities during Natural and Manmade Disasters 12