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CHAPTER 4
CIVIL AFFAIRS OPERATIONS
This portion of the handbook provides general guidance to CA elements preparing to conduct demining operations. Specific requirements are determined during the CINC assessment and are outlined in the theater CINC/SOC concept of operations.
CA assets conduct HDO as part of an integrated effort with SF and PSYOP forces to support U.S. Government and theater command objectives. CA support demining activities by assisting in training the national HQ and conducting liaison activities with the HN infrastructure, the UN, and international or local NGOs. CA assistance focuses on training leadership skills, management techniques, and staff procedures required for the HQ to command, control, and communicate effectively with its subordinate organizations. CA assistance is provided to integrate the NDO into the HN infrastructure.
CA SIX-PHASE TIME LINE
Specific CA mission planning factors and activities not covered previously are identified below within the six-phase concept.
Phase 1 - Predeployment
Upon receipt of the mission, the deploying element makes contact with the SF element responsible for the mission and immerses itself in the mission planning pro-cess. It conducts a thorough mission analysis based on theater CINC/SOC guidance, develops a clear and concise OPLAN, and determines mission support requirements. The intent of this phase is to make sure the CA team has successfully completed all requisite pre-mission training, coordination, reconnaissance, and procurement. CA support must be thoroughly integrated into the overall demining training mission. Specific demining tasks to consider include—
Phase 2 - Deployment
The intent of this phase is to deploy the CA team successfully and to set up the NDO HQ and training site. Transportation must be coordinated through the mission planning agent (MPA) and may involve the separate movement of personnel and equipment. Coordination and liaison with the HN, NGOs, country team, and contractors continue. This phase ends when the element is ready to conduct training.
Phase 3 - Training
This phase begins upon arrival of the HN students who are selected from basic training and make up the NDO HQ staff. The intent of this phase is to develop the advanced skills necessary to operate the HQ. Specific topics include—
Throughout this phase, the CA team continues to interface with critical organizations, maximizing the focus of the training with the needs of the HN. After-action reviews (AARs) are used throughout the mission to accomplish this effort. With the HN NDO staff, the CA team begins to establish SOPs.
Phase 4 - Operations
This phase begins upon completion of Phase 3 (Training). The intent of this phase is to integrate the national HQ into other NDO activities, continually assessing the ability of the NDO staff to operate within this environment.
Through AARs and remedial training, the CA team continues to improve the capa-bilities of the NDO HQ staff. This effort includes the formal integration of critical government agencies and international organizations.
This phase also involves ensuring the durability of the NDO contracts and budget to support equipment maintenance and supply requirements.
Based on its evaluation, the CA team develops a concept for sustained training and maintenance that extends past the redeployment of the team.
Phase 5 - Redeployment and Evaluation
The intent of this phase is to redeploy all personnel and equipment successfully and to leave behind the appropriate information and, if applicable, equipment with the HN.
Phase 6 - Sustainment
During the sustainment phase, the theater CINC/SOC requests follow-on assessments and training as required to sustain the HN. The departing CA team should provide specific recommendations to modify the theater CINC sustainment plan regarding funding, training, maintenance support, and supply requirements before redeployment.
SAMPLE CA DEPLOYMENT PACKAGE
This section outlines recommended CA assets in support of demining operations. The preference for CA support is an Active Component (AC) and a Reserve Component (RC) mix. Policy regarding the implementation of RC forces in support of demining is being drafted. This sample indicates the AC CA organization best suited for demining missions.
CA Training Organization
A CA tactical support team (TST) or a CALT is the preferred organization to support demining operations. A CA TST consists of four CA-qualified soldiers: one officer (an FA 39 captain) and three NCOs (an 18F operations and intelligence sergeant, an 18C engineer, and an 18D medic), all regionally aligned. When required, the CA TST makes sure NDO personnel have the needed computer skills to accomplish the mission. Because this type of training process can be lengthy, training may need to begin before the main body arrives to incorporate automation successfully into the mission.
CA Detachment Training
Training for all CA personnel includes, as a minimum, preliminary training on any applicable automated information systems, data reporting procedures, or special equipment. An exportable training plan developed by the programmer with HN country language and country-specific information should be developed. This information may consist of mine/UXO types found in-country, maps of the country, and locations of known minefields. Regional orientation, including language refresher and cultural specifics, is an obvious necessity.
Equipment and Supplies
Equipment and supply requirements will be determined during the assessment. A sample of equipment and supplies the NDO needs to function properly are as follows:
Transportation
The CA section should have at least one truck or vehicle capable of carrying equipment and personnel to attend meetings and to procure supplies. The CA element should have sole control over the vehicle to conduct its mission and to organize the NDO.
NATIONAL DEMINING HEADQUARTERS
This section depicts the recommended organization and functions for a national HQ for the baseline organization presented in Chapter 2. Although generic, it provides the minimum essential elements for a successful organization and operation.
The national demining HQ is responsible for planning, integrating, and prioritizing the country’s demining effort. Components of the national HQ include safety and quality-assurance officers (who report directly to the director), as well as LNOs from other national entities and related agencies, such as NGOs. The national HQ also includes the following various components:
The NDO HQ has under its control three subordinate elements: a mine awareness cell, a demining school, and up to three regional demining HQ. In some cases, the NDO may have emergency clearance teams as well as survey and marking teams under its control.