U.s. Joint Force Command

Noncombatant Evacuation Operations: Joint Publication 3-68 U.s. Joint Force Command

Noncombatant evacuation operations (NEOs) are conducted to assist the Department of State (DOS) in evacuating US citizens, Department of Defense (DOD) civilian personnel, and designated host nation (HN) and third country nationals (TCNs) whose lives are in danger from locations in a foreign nation to an appropriate safe haven. The United States Government (USG) will consider evacuating TCNs and host country nationals on a case-by-case, space available/reimbursable basis. Although normally considered in connection with hostile action, evacuation may also be conducted in anticipation of, or in response to, any natural or man-made disaster. NEOs have humanitarian, military, economic, diplomatic, and political implications. NEOs usually involve swift insertion of a force, temporary occupation of an objective, and a planned withdrawal upon completion of the mission.