text: Introduction
  The Army executes operations across multiple domains and in complex environments. One of the most
  complex environments is the land domain—partially due to the societal systems (detailed in JP 3-57) woven
  into the operational environment. The Army refers to these societal systems as operational variables. These
  operational variables are political, military, economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical
  environment, and time. Disagreements, perceived grievances, and divergent cultural and political views
  within these systems may contribute to instability and conflict among the indigenous populations and
  institutions that can be exploited by our adversaries, or otherwise interfere with military operations.
  Commanders require situational understanding that is as complete as possible to achieve their desired end
  states. Propaganda, deception, disinformation, misinformation, and the ability of individuals and groups to
  influence populations through technologies reflect the increasing speed of interaction. Leaders must consider
  all factors that make up their operational environment—such as social factors that initiate and sustain conflict
  and those existing capabilities within the resident population that can be leveraged or enhanced to create
  stability and reduce conflict. Failure to consider these factors may lead to misunderstandings,
  miscalculations, and faulty plans that do not address the desired end state and ultimately lead to strategic
  failure. FM 3-57 describes the history, authorities, role, core competencies, missions, characteristics,
  principles, and limitations of Army Civil Affairs forces in support of unified land operations.
  Understanding the operational variables of the operational environment provides the basis for Civil Affairs
  operations. The operational variables provide a means to develop a comprehensive understanding of an
  operational environment, independent of threat or enemy activity. Information collection against each of the
  operational variables (political, military, economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical environment,
  and time) inherently calls for collectors grounded in understanding the dynamics of civilian populations,
  government institutions, and civil society organizations in the context of history, geography, and available
  resources. Military operations require formations that—
  * Understand baseline conditions in each of the operational variables.
  * Engage the right sources of leadership and influence.
  * Take actions to counter or change human perceptions and activities that do not align with mission
  objectives.
  * Influence and create changes in the operational variables that support operational end states and
  goals.
  Commanders engage with key leaders to mobilize populations to regain control of the civil component of the
  operational environment. This facilitates a return to or achievement of a safe, secure, and stable environment.
  Civil Affairs forces, under the authority of these commanders, provide a conditions-based capability that
  focuses on the civil component to enhance situational understanding, address civil factors that empower
  achievement of the military objective, and support unified action.
  The Civil Affairs logic chart (introductory figure) depicts how Civil Affairs forces support the Army strategic
  goals through the conduct of Civil Affairs operations. Through the engagement and development of civil
  networks, Civil Affairs forces enable the operational goals of shape, prevent conflict, prevail in large-scale
  combat operations, and consolidate gains.
  Civil Affairs operations are nested in unified land operations and executed through decisive action. The logic
  chart shows how the developed civil knowledge is integrated into the operations processes to—
  * Enable mission command.
  * Increase situational understanding.
  * Refine targeting and effects.
  * Enable effective information operations.
  * Enhance freedom of maneuver and preserve combat power.
  * Achieve increased stability through consolidation of gains.