Governance Innovation for Security and Development: Recommendations for US Army Civil Affairs 38G Civil Sector Officers

Civil Affairs (CA) comprises “the vanguard of DoD’s support to United States Government efforts to assist partner governments in the fields of rule of law, economic stability, governance, public health and welfare, infrastructure, and public education and information” (2010 Quadrennial Defense Review Report). CA professionals have historically played critical roles in conflict prevention and post-conflict transformation. However, the Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs has identified gaps in opportunities for education and training between CA soldiers in the reserve and active components. One important response to these concerns was the 2013 establishment of the Institute for Military Support to Governance (IMSG) to guide the professionalization of the CA force structure. In particular, the IMSG is leading the development of a new military occupational specialty (MOS) titled “military support to governance specialists,” or 38G. The Governance Innovation for Security and Development research project supports initiatives by the US Special Operations Command, the US Special Warfare Center and School and the IMSG to address gaps in Special Operations and the wider CA community. This report presents a set of recommended positions, descriptions, and qualifications for the 38G CA officer.
Prepared for: US Special Operations Command, John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, and the Institute for Military Support to Governance.
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.