Stabilisation
Stabilisation is the process that supports states which are entering, enduring or emerging from conflict in order to:
• Prevent or reduce violence
• Protect the population and key infrastructure
• Promote political processes which lead to greater stability
• Prepare for sustainable social and economic development
In 2009, to reflect lessons learned on recent operations, a new military task was created; ‘Military Assistance to Stabilisation and Development’ (MASD) which tasked the Armed Forces to plan and conduct operations to stabilise and reconstruct in those locations where the security situation is too difficult to allow civilian agencies to work alone.
More information on how the MSSG fits into Stabilisation can be found on the unit’s Armynet pages.
MSSG Background
The MSSG is a Tri-Service Unit situated at Gibraltar Barracks, Camberley and comprises deployable Regular Officers, Warrant Officers and Senior NCOs from all three Services as well as Reserve personnel drawn from the Territorial Army and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force.
It is responsible for stabilisation training across Defence and provides a deployable capability from JFHQ down to company level able to deliver Civil Effect and CIMIC Planning Teams and functional specialists worldwide.
The Group trains and deploys Military Stabilisation Support Teams (MSSTs) which have the following roles:
• Co-ordinating between military and civilian organisations
• Gathering and analysing civil information
• Providing assistance to planning operations at all levels
• Identifying and aiding in the delivery of consent winning activities, reconstruction and development projects
The MSSG will regularly deal with organisations outside of the UK military such as:
• Other UK Government Departments such as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development
• International and Non-Government Organisations including:
United Nations (UN)
European Union (EU)
International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC)
World Food Programme (WFP)
Coalition Partners, such as NATO/EU
• Host Nation Institutions, including:
Government from local to national levels
Police and security forces