Rethinking the Use of Specialized Civil Affairs

摘要

Specialized Civil Affairs (CA) Soldiers are reservists who have contributed greatly to post-war operations throughout history. Recent efforts have shifted away from civil-military operations (CMO), typically led by CA Soldiers, to more broad and advanced reconstruction and stabilization operations (R/S OPS) led by civilians with civil-sector expertise. The requirement for civilian expertise certainly exists, but the resulting move to more generalized CA operations brings about concern. This project examines several aspects of this situation to include the role of specialized CA in combat and post-conflict environments and adapting and improving specialized CA for interagency operations. The research reveals a gap that occurs during and immediately after combat operations. This acute period requires immediate R/S OPS to address critical services and maintain civil order; however, it may be too dangerous or occur too quickly for civilian entities to arrive and begin operations. While specialized reserve CA Soldiers may be poised to fill this gap, the requirement for improved training and utilization of these Soldiers to conduct sector-specific operations appears significant. Recommendations are provided that address DoD's approach to training and deploying specialized reserve CA Soldiers. In addition, doctrinal considerations are discussed in terms of redefining stability operations in comparison to more advanced nation building.