ABSTRACT
This chapter sets out to explain the background to the renewed need for Civil Affairs in military operations and describes some of the key skills required for success. The shift of emphasis away from military to political and civilian considerations since the end of the Cold War. In order fully to understand current and projected missions, all troops deploying to an operational theatre should have an understanding of Civil Affairs and the political and civilian environment in which they will be expected to function. The first pillar has been called mission analysis, as it is essential that those involved in Civil Affairs understand how their role ties into their commander's mission and main effort. There is a second element to mission analysis, which is the need to develop an understanding of acceptable boundaries for Civil Affairs tasks, as personnel will often be operating outside of the normal sphere of military operations.
