Civil affairs

Civil Affairs refers to a category of military operations that are primarily focused on the administration and governance of civilian populations during peace and war times. The term is most commonly used by the United States military and NATO forces.

History

The concept of Civil Affairs has its roots in ancient military history, where armies would often take on administrative roles in conquered territories. However, the modern concept of Civil Affairs as a distinct military discipline emerged during World War II, when the Allied forces established Civil Affairs units to manage the civilian populations in liberated territories.

Role and Functions

The primary role of Civil Affairs units is to facilitate interaction between military forces and civilian authorities, organizations, and populations. This can involve a wide range of activities, including:

• Liaising with civilian authorities and organizations
• Providing humanitarian assistance
• Conducting civil information management
• Supporting civil administration

In addition to these core functions, Civil Affairs units may also be involved in other activities such as conflict resolution, infrastructure development, and cultural affairs, depending on the specific circumstances and requirements of the mission.

Training and Organization

In the United States, Civil Affairs training is conducted at the United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School. The training program includes courses on civil-military operations, foreign cultures, languages, and negotiation techniques.

Civil Affairs units are typically organized into teams, with each team consisting of several Civil Affairs officers and enlisted personnel. These teams are often embedded within larger military units, where they serve as the primary point of contact for all civil-military interactions.

See Also

• Military-civil relations
• Peacekeeping
• Humanitarian aid
• Military governance