REGULARIZING PACOM ELEMENTS AT POST -- JAKARTA'S

S E C R E T JAKARTA 000604 NOFORN DEPT FOR EAP, EAP/MTS, EAP/MLS, EAP/RSP, PM, PM/ISO, PM/PPA NSC FOR E.PHU E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/03/2019 TAGS: PREL PTER APER MOPS ID SUBJECT: REGULARIZING PACOM ELEMENTS AT POST -- JAKARTA'S VIEW REF: 08 PHNOM PENH 401 Classified By: Ambassador Cameron R. Hume, reasons 1.4(b+d). ¶1. (S/NF) SUMMARY: Mission supports PACOM's plan to regularize Military Liaison Elements (MLE),now called the PACOM Augmentation Team (PAT),at U.S. embassies in its Area of Operations. This outcome would help resolve outstanding questions regarding Chief of Mission (COM) authority. It would also integrate the MLE/PAT more fully into the interagency process, enhancing program effectiveness and strengthening Mission capabilities. This message does not, however, represent COM commitment to approve any eventual NSDD-38 request at this time. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (S/NF) PACOM has indicated its intention to institutionalize MLE at U.S. diplomatic posts in its Area of Operations, formalizing COM oversight over Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel and fully integrating them and their programs into the interagency structure at those posts. PACOM intends to accomplish this through the NSDD-38 process. ¶3. (S/NF) Mission Jakarta supports this plan. Formalizing the MLE's status would resolve the issue of COM authority. It would also allow the Mission to utilize MLE capabilities and resources more fully in interagency policy coordination and program outreach at posts. MLE staff would have Administrative and Technical (A&T) status. ¶4. (S/NF) Under Mission's current arrangement, the PACOM Augmentation Team (PAT) coordinates its activities on a day-to-day basis with the Station Chief and the Defense Attache. This arrangement may change as a result of any interagency agreement to regularize the PAT. ¶5. (S/NF) The PAT fills gaps at Mission, contributing to Mission's counterterrorism effort and to other Mission priorities in specific ways: -- It is part of Mission's counterterrorism assessment capabilities, drawing from PACOM resources and coordinating with Mission agencies to provide a common operating picture (COP) tracking Mission CT programs. -- In conjunction with other agencies, it coordinates DOD Special Operations Forces (SOF) support to U.S. counterterrorism (CT) activities and support and training of Indonesian Special Operations forces. -- It identifies civil vulnerabilities that are or could be exploited by terrorist organizations and seeks to mitigate those vulnerabilities. -- It plans, coordinates, supports and synchronizes information programs executed jointly with Indonesian counterparts. This information includes counter-extremism, counter-recruiting and anti-violence. -- Drawing upon PACOM forces, it provides operational support for ad hoc military missions to Indonesia providing relief from natural disasters such as tsunamis and earthquakes. -- It offers potential logistical assistance in execution of Mission's Emergency Action Plan, particularly in the event of an evacuation requiring the mobilization of PACOM forces. ¶6. (S/NF) This arrangement has evolved over the several years since the MLE's placement. Regularizing the MLE/PAT would create a firmer basis for its contribution to the Mission, while maintaining flexibility for its role to evolve in the future. HUME