Civil Affairs, known commonly as CA, is both a concept relative to many military operations as well as the official name for particular units which execute civil affairs operations.
According to the U.S. Army, "Civil Affairs units help military commanders by working with civil authorities and civilian populations in the commander’s area of operations to lessen the impact of military operations on them during peace, contingency operations and declared war."
Civil Affairs units act as a liaison between the civilian inhabitants of a warzone or disaster area and the military presence, both informing the local commander of the status of the civilian populace as well as effecting assistance to locals by either coordinating military operations with NGOs or distributing directly aid and supplies.
Within the United States Army, Civil Affairs units are administered through United States Army Special Operations Command, of which United States Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command is subordinate. USACAPOC contains Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units, consisting of both active duty and reserve elements.
External links
Last updated: 10-14-2005 21:14:01
