What is the purpose of civil affairs operations within LSCO?

The purpose of civil affairs operations within Large-Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) is primarily to establish and maintain relationships with civilian populations. This role is critical for several reasons, including facilitating cooperation between military forces and local communities, managing the effects of military operations on civilians, and promoting the stability and security of the operational environment. By doing so, civil affairs efforts help to gather intelligence, mitigate hostility, and support humanitarian needs, which ultimately enhance the effectiveness of combat operations.

Establishing these relationships is vital as it allows military forces to operate more effectively within populated areas, ensuring that civilian concerns are addressed and fostering trust. This approach also aids in the reconstruction and stabilization efforts post-conflict, aligning military objectives with broader strategic goals focused on long-term peace and security.

In contrast, engaging in direct combat, controlling logistics, or enforcing military law represents operational functions that fall outside the specialized role of civil affairs. While these functions are essential for military operations, they do not encapsulate the primary objective of civil affairs, which centers on the interactions and relationships with civilian populations.