Mission success in full-spectrum operations and counterinsurgency campaigns depend on well thought out and efficient civil-military operations (CMO). In these environments, operational and strategic objectives are best served through a unit’s ability to plan and execute CMO. Effective CMO practices involve establishing, maintaining, and building relationships between military forces, governmental and nongovernmental civilian organizations and authorities, and the civilian population. Non-lethal lines of operations enhance local security by ensuring effective and integrated planning, targeting, and mission execution with civilian agencies.

IDS’s experienced civil affairs specialists have overseen programs across a wide range of CMO including education, governance, economic growth, infrastructure, health, and community action. Our technical expertise can provide the advice, training, and capacity building needed for planning, coordinating, and executing targeted CMO for US and coalition military forces, as well as for the US Army Corps of Engineers.