text: Operations Structure
  INFORMATION COLLECTION
  4-15. Information consists of data, in context, to inform or provide meaning for action. Information collection
  is an activity that synchronizes and integrates the planning and employment of sensors and assets as well as the
  processing, exploitation, and dissemination of systems in direct support of current and future operations
  (FM 3-55). CA forces are a valuable information collection and management capability because of their
  interaction with populations, government institutions, and inter-organizational partners.
  4-16. CA forces collect information through physical engagements such as CR, CEs, area studies, and
  assessments. When physical meetings cannot take place due to constraints within the OE, these meetings can
  be done via computer or cell phone resources. CR, and CE can be conducted using satellites, computer links,
  or cell phone resources. This is done in the virtual context. CA forces also collect information through
  integration, coordination, and synchronization with unified action partners.
  4-17. CA forces collaborate with other information-related capabilities within the information environment
  to ensure synchronization of information collection to meet the priorities of the commander. The S-9 or G-9
  CAO staff officer develops a civil information collection plan that supports the information requirements of
  the commander or fulfills information gaps in the CA area study. This collection plan is passed down to the
  lowest echelons, allowing for collection plans to be developed down to the CAT level.
  TARGETING
  4-18. According to JP 3-0, targeting is a complex and multidisciplinary effort that requires coordinated
  interaction among many command and staff elements. The functional elements necessary for effective
  collaboration participate in the targeting working group.
  4-19. CA forces provide commanders with options for engagement of the civil component of the OE by
  utilizing CATs and partner civil networks. This engagement capability empowers commanders with courses
  of action to produce nonlethal effects in the civil component of the OE. Through CKI, supported commanders
  are provided with actionable civil knowledge, which is needed to identify and produce—
  * Targeted lethal and nonlethal effects in the civil component with the least amount of force.
  * Least disruption to the population.
  * The most efficient use of finite resources and capabilities.
  * Leverages in the capabilities and resources of the civil network.
  RISK MANAGEMENT
  4-20. The Army uses RM to help maintain combat power while ensuring mission accomplishment in current
  and future operations. The Army also uses RM to reduce collateral damage to civilians, critical infrastructure,
  and noncombatants. According to JP 3-0, hazards create the potential for harmful events that cause
  degradation of capabilities or mission failure.
  4-21. CAO staff analysis identifies threats to military operations and hazards to the force that emerge from
  within the civil component or that will affect the interests, functions, or capabilities of civil sector groups or
  organizations. For example, the presence of a large civilian population and its daily activities may create
  hazards to U.S. forces during operations. High civilian traffic densities may present hazards to convoys and
  maneuver schemes. Planners must assess such diverse elements as insurgents, riots, and criminal activity that
  emerge from civil society. Legal, regulatory, or policy considerations may introduce hazards that affect
  operations and other activities. Commanders and staffs must also weigh the importance of protecting civilians
  from violence during operations.
  KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT
  4-22. Knowledge management is performed by the staff to enhance the commander’s understanding and
  support the commander’s decision making. Knowledge is information that has been analyzed to provide
  meaning or value and is evaluated for operational implications. CA forces enhance the knowledge
  management process by producing civil knowledge through CKI. Civil knowledge is produced by analyzing
  and evaluating civil data and civil information gained through engagement with civil networks, through CR