The Civil Affairs Association and the Peacekeeping & Stability Operations Institute are working together to promote an
informed discussion on the future of Civil Affairs, and educate
the wider Peace & Stability Operations community on key
issues shaping this critical national strategic capability to end
and prevent wars.
At the Civil Affairs Roundtable held at West Point, NY on 6
March, PKSOI, the Association, and their partners at the Center for the Study of Civil-Military Operations at West Point and
the Foreign Area Officers Association, released the first series of
Civil Affairs Issue Papers. “The Future of Civil Affairs” was also
the topic for the Roundtable and the Civil Affairs Symposium
the preceding fall at Valley Forge, PA.
capability, along with Military Information Support (formerly
Psychological Operations) and Foreign Area Officers, comprises the only part of the Joint Force specifically suited for Peace
& Stability Operations as well as Engagement under the new
Army Functional Concept.
However, the future of Civil Affairs is once again in question,
given shifts in U.S. foreign, national security, and defense policies and another military drawdown under budgetary constraints. The U.S. Navy has eliminated its Maritime Civil Affairs
command. U. S. Army Civil Affairs is engaged in intense discussions regarding both Active and Reserve components, while
the Marine Corps has doubled its Civil Affairs Groups, but – as
with all of Civil Affairs – struggles under increased demand.
The intent is to provide a platform