Teams that are trained and equipped for deep-field relief operations in conflict and/or disaster-affected areas are inserted to conduct rapid assessment and administer emergency aid.

SPEAR officers are assessment professionals who are trained in the sectoral needs of disaster-affected populations and maintain a state of readiness for immediate deployment to disaster-affected areas world-wide.

The Standing Patrol for Emergency Assessment & Response (SPEAR) is an advisory unit activated for the purpose of rapidly providing relief authorities an estimate of the situation in disaster-affected areas.