Civil Affairs Issue Papers Volume 1, 2014-2015 Civil Affairs Issue Papers | Page 103

Strategic Implications Remote technology concepts, such as the remote CIM portal, support recent strategic guidance. TRADOC Pam 525-8-5, U.S. Army Functional Concept for Engagement, noted the importance of enhancing foreign security environments in a responsible, cost-effective manner that follows U.S. and partner interests.10 A remote CIM platform helps achieve CMO and CAO goals without the significant associated costs with having to put boots on the ground. The concept of creating a remote CIM portal could be the missing link to not only link SMEs across DoD, but also interagency, intergovernmental, and NGO alike. By using APAN, SMEs have already been providing and proving the importance of strategic level help to many NGOs during disaster response and humanitarian scenarios. Extending a capability like APAN to help answer a variety of CIM RFIs would truly provide a unique reach back value added benefit to any COCOM. Again since this portal can be accessed from any COTS automation platform via an unclassified network, it has an ability to influence the tactical, operational, and strategic levels of warfare. Recommendations for a Way Ahead & Conclusion Since this is a concept paper for a system that could potentially fill a DOTMLPF warfighting capability gap, the biggest recommendation for a way ahead is to establish a timeline for implementation of the three previously mentioned recommendations. A trial run of the system once developed could be conducted first with all USAR CA Soldiers. After initial training, these soldiers would establish user accounts in order to test the system for effectiveness and ease of collab84