Civil Affairs - Building the Force to Meet Its Future Challenges
Abstract
Civil Affairs (CA) forces and the capabilities they provide to commanders on the battlefield are critical enablers to winning the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Since the beginning of the wars, Army Reserve CA Soldiers assigned to the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (USACAPOC), the Army's conventional CA force provider, have mobilized continuously in support of these operations. Unable to sustain theater force requirements, other Army Reserve forces and personnel from the Navy and Air Force were cross-trained to perform this mission. Future indications posit an increase in destabilizing factors such as ungoverned spaces and failing states. U.S. policy and doctrine see the Army mitigating these threats through shaping the global environment to reduce instability across the international system. Civil Affairs Operations (CAO), throughout the entire spectrum of conflict, are at the forefront of this doctrine and policy. This paper examines how CA forces have evolved since September 11, 2001, discusses their roles in Afghanistan and Iraq, and provides recommendations for the force to meet its future challenges.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 20, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA498021
Entities
People
- Miguel A. Castellanos
Organizations
- United States Army War College