Editors Note-
All Right - I lied.
In March of 1999 I said that it would be my last update as I was retiring from the Active Reserve. I DID retire...but I am endeavoring to update the page at least once more because it still seems to be used. (January 2003)
This page is an unofficial document and does not represent information endorsed by the United States Government, United States Army Special Operations Command or the United States Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command.
Welcome to my attempt to put together a number of resources for members of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs community. Most Civil Affairs units are found in the U.S. Army Reserve. They are members of theArmy Special Operations Command . The principal responsibility of Civil Affairs professionals is to provide a link between the military commander and the civilian populace in an area of operations.
Civil Affairs operations encompass the relationship between military forces, civil authorities, and people in a friendly or occupied country or area. CA operations support national policy and implement U.S. national objectives by coordinating with, influencing, developing, or controlling indigeneous infrastructures in operational areas. CA commanders, staffs, units, and supporting CA elements secure local acceptence of, and support for US forces.
-FM 41-10 Civil Affairs Operations
John Bestul is a Major with the 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion, Green Bay, Wisconsin. E-mail him at mailto:jebestul@littlechute.k12.wi.us
January 6, 2003