The United States has a special relationship with three nations in Oceania. A set of strategic treaties created this relationship between the United States and each of the independent nations of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau. These three nations are each in a Compact of Free Association with the United States. The agreements outline that the United States provides economic aid and is committed to defend these nations and in return, the United States has the option for exclusive military access and presence in these countries.

Part of the economic aid provided by the United States includes activities by U.S. military engineers, who have long been actively involved in improving the civilian infrastructure on these islands. Schools, libraries, medical clinics, piers, roads, fire stations, and other community facilities are built or renovated to improve the quality of life for citizens.

The Department of Defense implements Engineering Assistance Programs with funding from the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI). Two such programs are the Humanitarian Assistance to the Federated States of Micronesia (HAFSM) and the Humanitarian Assistance to the Marshall Islands (HARMI).

The host nations receive U.S. assistance to support several different efforts: education, health, environment, and the private sector. U.S. military engineers also support capacity building and infrastructure. The highest infrastructure priority is given to primary and secondary education capital projects and those with direct affect health and safety, including water and wastewater projects, solid waste disposal projects, and health care facilities. Second priority is given to economic development-related projects, such as airport and seaport improvements, roads, sea walls, and energy development including renewable energy that cannot be funded through the rate structure.

The nations can opt to have the U.S. military do the planning and execution of the projects or have the military do the planning while private contractors execute the work. U.S. Department of Defense funds the labor of its personnel while DOI funds buy materials from local vendors whenever possible to stimulate the economy.

Some currently planned projects include renovations of the Chuuk State Hospital, the Pohnpei detention center, and the Marshall Islands Education and Cultural Center. Working on projects provides U.S. military engineers with regional familiarization as well as additional and diversified training to maintain and develop their core skills.

In addition to HAFSM and HARMI, the Department of Defense has implemented the Construction Civic Action Detail program in Micronesia and the Marshall Islands. This brings U.S. Navy Seabee Teams twice a year for four-month rotations. Ongoing work in Kwajalein and Yap include a water distribution system, a community center, and public bathrooms. In Micronesia, the program rotates locations, visiting a different state every six months and providing each state with assistance at least once every two years. Like other U.S. programs, this initiative tries as much as possible to purchase all materials from on-island vendors to stimulate the island’s economy.

The U.S. Department of Defense funds 100 percent of the Construction Civil Action Detail program, covering all the military labor expenses and cost of building materials. There is no cost to local authorities and it is fully separate from other Compact funding.

Civic Action Team engineers have had a presence in Palau since 1969. This team of 13 engineers operates on a rotational basis of six- to seven-month deployments of U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel. In addition to building civilian infrastructure, the team runs a Palauan apprentice training program which enables the transfer of practical engineering and construction skills to young trainees. There is also a medical civic action training program.

These programs serve to buttress the U.S. posture in the region and as a foundation to develop additional elements of the U.S. rebalance to the Asia-Pacific.