ODA is primarily focused on training and fighting
alongside a guerrilla or partner nation force, a CA
team must focus on individual and team survivability in a low signature environment. Threats faced may
include insurgents, terrorists, foreign intelligence services and common criminals. As part of the only U.S.
military present in some regions, the ability to blend
seamlessly with other SOF teams and form a Crisis Response Element (CRE) or Quick Reaction Force (QRF)
when needed, adds value in the eyes of commanders and chiefs of mission. Advanced marksmanship,
high threat driving and surveillance detection are all
examples of the skills required. Active duty SOF CA
conducts this type of training, however the Phase 0
environment includes regionally aligned conventional forces as well. Advanced tactical training should be
incorporated into the qualification pipeline for all CA
soldiers.
The 2006 separation of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (USACAPOC) from the U.S. Army Special Operations
Command (USASOC) and the designation of Army
Reserve CA as “conventional” has often been blamed
for the force structure imbalance. However, the problem existed prior to 2006. At that time there were only
four CA battalions in the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR)
with a dedicated SOF mission, these were designated
Foreign Internal Defense/Unconventional Warfare
(FID/UW) battalions. The majority of USAR CA battalions were designated as General Purpose and configured to support conventional maneuver units. The
only active duty unit, the 96th CA battalion, was designated as General Support and intended as an earlyentry SOF CA capability working with both SOF and
conventional forces.15 Before 2006, there was already a
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