U S Army War College

Army Civil Affairs Functional Specialists: on the Verge of Extinction U S Army War College

Publisher Marketing: World War II marked the beginning of the greatest use of Civil Affairs (CA) functions in the United States history. CA personnel utilized civil sector expertise to help rebuilt governments in both the European and Pacific theaters. Since its establishment as a United States Army Reserve branch in 1955, CA/Military Government has traditionally been conducted by Army Reservists who employ their civilian acquired skills to provide expertise in civil sector systems and functions such as public administration, economics and commerce, public health, public safety, food and agriculture, and public works and utilities. CA has been touted as a key capability since the Department of Defense elevated the importance of stability operations to be on par with major combat operations. In the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the demand for CA units has far outpaced supply. To this end, Army Civil Affairs forces will have more than doubled between 2001 and 2014. At the same time; however, the U. S. Army has reduced the emphasis on Civil Affairs civil-sector functional expertise resulting in a serious capability gap. This book explores the reasons for the capability gap and provides recommendations for a way ahead.