When disaster strikes, rapid and effective response is crucial. The aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12th highlighted the critical role of specialized units like the Military Intelligence Civilian Excepted Career Program. This program proved indispensable in providing on-the-ground intelligence, directly supporting humanitarian and disaster relief efforts.
Edgardo Ortiz, an agent with the 470th Military Intelligence Brigade and a member of the Military Intelligence Civilian Excepted Career Program, led one of two counterintelligence teams deployed to Haiti. Their mission was to support the XVIII Airborne Corps, which assumed the role of Joint Task Force (JTF) Haiti. The JTF’s objective was to conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations and to aid the United Nations in their efforts to stabilize the region.
The swift deployment of these teams showcased the expeditionary capability of the Military Intelligence Civilian Excepted Career Program. Within 24 hours of notification, equipped with mobile communication technology, they were en route to North Carolina. By the afternoon of January 18th, they were integrated with the XVIII Airborne Corps intelligence staff at Fort Bragg. Just two days later, these crucial teams were on the ground in Haiti, transported via military airlift, ready to analyze the situation.
Initially, the teams conducted a comprehensive mission analysis based on available intelligence and situational reports. Following mission briefs and guidance from the JTF staff, their focus shifted to a “non-traditional” counterintelligence role. This adaptation demonstrated the program’s flexibility and responsiveness to evolving needs in a dynamic crisis environment.
Ortiz explained their redefined mission: “We became the eyes and ears of the JTF commander to provide ‘ground truth’ assessments on current threats to the Haitian population, relief efforts, and changing conditions on the ground, specifically in and around the city of Port-au-Prince.” This pivot emphasized the program’s ability to move beyond conventional intelligence gathering to support immediate humanitarian needs.
Despite the extensive devastation, Port-au-Prince remained the center of population and aid distribution. The Military Intelligence teams observed the rapid emergence of Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps throughout the city. Assessing these camps became a priority, highlighting the program’s direct contribution to effective aid delivery.
Ortiz emphasized the importance of these assessments: “These assessments were essential. They provided World Food Program [WFP] decision-makers with critical information needed to assist in planning food distribution and selecting food DPs [distribution points].” This crucial data directly informed resource allocation, ensuring aid reached those who needed it most efficiently.
The teams employed direct engagement to gather information, driving to IDP camps and communicating directly with the affected population. “We asked them how things were going, if support was getting to them, what had they heard,” Ortiz stated. This first-hand approach provided invaluable insights that informed strategic decisions on the ground. Despite communication challenges, including limited radio access among the population, the teams persevered in gathering essential information.
Working tirelessly amidst constant aftershocks and immense human suffering, the Military Intelligence Civilian Excepted Career Program teams provided continuous updates to the JTF-Haiti commander and staff. Their reports covered local conditions, escalating medical risks, criminal activity including escaped prisoners, and population displacement trends. These factors posed significant threats to the relief operation and the Haitian people’s recovery.
Col. Jim Lee, 470th Military Intelligence Brigade commander, lauded the teams’ performance: “These CI teams, like the one Ed Ortiz led, exemplify the 470th Military Intelligence Brigade’s expeditionary capability to rapidly deploy intelligence support teams anytime, anywhere around the world.” He added, “He and others performed superbly.”
The Military Intelligence Civilian Excepted Career Program’s deployment to Haiti demonstrates its vital role in crisis response. Their ability to rapidly deploy, adapt to evolving mission requirements, and provide critical on-the-ground intelligence proved essential to the effectiveness of the Haiti earthquake relief efforts. This program serves as a testament to the importance of specialized civilian expertise within military intelligence, particularly in humanitarian and disaster relief operations globally.
