State Department Stands Up Active Response Corps

The State Department is working hard to increase surge capacity within the Department to support stabilization and reconstruction efforts. Earlier this year, we established an Active Response Corps (ARC) – a team of first responders who can support a U.S. mission, engage with a host country government, coordinate with international partners, and conduct assessments. ARC members are State Department officials serving one year tours. Ten are now on-board, trained, equipped and being deployed. By the end of 2007, the team is expected to expand to 30.

In late June, the State Department deployed four members of the Active Response Corps to Sudan in support of U.S. efforts to promote implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement. ARC personnel are supporting the Embassy in Khartoum and its field presence in Darfur for up to 180 days. In addition, the Office of Reconstruction and Stabilization deployed its Senior Advisor for Transitional Security to Darfur to assist DPA signatories in implementing security arrangements called for in the agreement.

As an example of their tremendous commitment to service, one ARC member deployed within days of returning from Sudan to supplement the team of State Department officials assisting American citizens departing Lebanon.

While an initial step, the ARC is a practical example of how the State Department can get trained and equipped civilians out faster without taking personnel from other critical foreign policy initiatives. ARC personnel have been chosen for their experience in conflict and unstable environments. As part of the ARC, they have undergone training and exercises focused on conflict transformation, and serve as initial surge capacity to supplement other Embassy and Department staff and initiatives.