The preparation of a non-combat operation as a key element of the success of the engagement of the River Flotilla in the operation of assisting civil authorities during floods

Abstract

The River Flotilla (RF), as an integral part of the Army, is one of the inevitable subjects of the protection and rescue of the population, environment and material goods during floods. The emergencies declared due to the threat of water overflow from river bed require the use of some equipment such as ships, boats, amphibious and other types of vessels. Due to their main purpose, manoeuvrability, capacity and specificity of the environment in which they are used (rivers, lakes, canals, etc.), the successful engagement of the protection and rescue forces during the execution of various types of non-combat activities in a flooded area is inconceivable. However, the success of a flood relief operation depends not only on the equipment used in carrying out tasks, but also on many challenges such as: how to select and organize adequate protection and rescue forces, how to bring forces to a flood-affected area, how to organize their logistic support and how to establish successful coordination with civil authorities in an affected area. In this regard, and through the analysis of the existing doctrinal solutions, the key elements of the successful engagement of the RF during floods have been generated in the form of preparation of operation, command in operation, cooperation and coordination, noncombat activities and logistic support to operation. The paper proposes solutions related to the phase of preparation of operation as one of the key elements of the success of the engagement of the RF in assisting civil authorities during floods.

Keywords

• river flotilla
• state of emergency
• floods
• preparation of operation