Since the Revolutionary War, the U.S. military forces have faced the task of restoring order to civilian communities and rebuilding during times of war. For years, military commanders organized impromptu solutions until the institutionalization of civil affairs and military government during World War II. Since their establishment, U.S. Army Civil Affairs (CA) forces have proved themselves vital to the success of winning wars, securing peace, and laying a foundation for stability in troubled nations around the world. This entry discusses the history of military civil affairs from its institutionalization during World War II through its numerous deployments and increasing importance in unconventional conflicts, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

When deployed, CA forces perform numerous jobs critical to the success of both combat and noncombat ...