Civil Affairs (CA) forces operate where military objectives intersect with civil realities. To support this complex mission set, CA forces are trained, organized, and equipped around four core competencies that enable them to shape the operational environment, consolidate gains, and support governance in conflict and post-conflict environments.
These core competencies are not just doctrinal—they represent the foundational skill sets and operational frameworks that guide how CA forces execute Civil Affairs Operations (CAO) across the competition continuum.
For new 38G officers, understanding these competencies is key to knowing where your functional expertise fits and how you can contribute to broader CA efforts.
🎯 The Four Core Competencies of Civil Affairs
| Core Competency | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Transitional Governance (TG) | Provides continuity of government functions in unstable or post-conflict environments. This includes establishing transitional military authority or supporting interim civil administration. |
| 2. Civil Network Development & Engagement (CNDE) | Identifies, maps, engages, and develops civil networks—individuals, organizations, and institutions—that influence the civil component of the operational environment (OE). |
| 3. Civil Knowledge Integration (CKI) | Converts raw civil data into usable knowledge that informs planning, targeting, and operations. Integrates civil understanding into the common operational picture (COP). |
| 4. Civil-Military Integration (CMI) | Coordinates and synchronizes military operations with civilian actors—such as host-nation governments, NGOs, and international organizations—to achieve unity of effort. |
đź“š Reference Table
| Title | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| FM 3-57: Civil Affairs Operations | Core field manual for Civil Affairs doctrine; outlines roles and missions. | View PDF |
| ATP 3-57.20: Civil-Military Operations Center (CMOC) | Describes CMOC structure, tasks, and integration with partners. | View PDF |
| JP 3-57: Civil-Military Operations | Joint publication covering Civil-Military Operations across services. | View PDF |