civil affairs operations

Definition/Scope: (JP 3-57) Those military operations conducted by civil affairs forces that (1) enhance the relationship between military forces and civil authorities in localities where military forces are present; (2) require coordination with other interagency organizations, intergovernmental organizations, nongovernmental organizations, indigenous populations and institutions, and the private sector; and (3) involve application of functional specialty skills that normally are the responsibility of civil government to enhance the conduct of civil-military operations.

Use:

civil affairs

Acronym:

CAO

Broader Terms:

civil affairs
CMF 38 (Civil Affairs)
Special Operations Forces

Related Terms:

civil affairs activities
Civil Military Operation
civil-military operations center