text: Chapter 4
  and CE, and through conducting area studies and assessments. CAO staff, at all echelons, integrates civil
  knowledge into the operations process in order to create a common understanding of the mission and OE.
  STAFF INTEGRATION
  4-23. The commander’s intent links the mission, CONOPS, and tasks to subordinate units. CAO staff integrates
  the capabilities of supporting CA forces into the operation plan in support of the commander’s intent. CAO staff
  also integrate civil knowledge gained through CNDE, CKI, and CMI into the operational planning cycle of the
  commander all the way through execution of CKI. Paragraph 3 (Execution) of Annex K (Civil Affairs
  Operations) to the operation plan of the supported command addresses the CAO scheme of support and
  subordinate unit tasks. Paragraph 3 of Annex K also coordinates instructions that CA and other Army forces
  execute to accomplish the commander’s intent. The execution paragraph outlines what the supported commander
  wants CAO to achieve in support of the mission.
  4-24. CA forces execute TG, CNDE, CKI, and CMI to enhance the understanding of the OE, visualization
  of the battlefield, and decision-making of the commander and staff so that they may accomplish missions
  and achieve unified action. In the absence of an integrated CA staff, CA forces assigned by echelon will be
  required to conduct the CAO planning requirements. The following CA elements provide direct input to, or
  augment, the planning process:
  * Assistant chief of staff, CAO (G-9).
  * Battalion and brigade CAO staff officer (S-9).
  * Civil-military operations directorate of a joint staff (J-9).
  * Theater CAPT.
  * CAPT.
  * CAO working groups.
  * Security force assistance brigade CAO staff section.
  * CA company staff.
  * CMOC staff.
  * CATs.
  ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, CIVIL AFFAIRS OPERATIONS AND CIVIL AFFAIRS
  OPERATIONS STAFF OFFICER
  4-25. The G-9 or S-9 is the dedicated principal staff officer position, from battalion through theater Army,
  responsible for all matters concerning CAO. The G-9 or S-9 is required at all echelons—from brigade combat
  team (BCT) through theater Army, and in special operations formations at battalion and group. Roles of the
  G-9 or S-9 include—
  * Evaluating civil considerations during mission analysis.
  * Recommending the establishment of a CMOC in conjunction with the supporting CA unit commander.
  * Working with interorganizational partners to prepare the groundwork for transitioning the AO
  from military to civilian control.
  * Advising the commander and staff on the effect of military operations on civilians in the AO
  relative to the complex relationship of these people with the terrain and institutions over time.
  * Advising the commander on options for CA units to engage and influence civil networks and the
  population in order to produce desired effects in the civil component of the OE.
  * In coordination with the supporting CA unit commander, maintaining responsibility for developing
  plans and operations that enhance the relationship between Army forces and the civil authorities and
  people in the AO.
  * Preparing Annex K of the operation order or operation plan.
  4-26. During the MDMP, the G-9 or S-9 provides the commander with an analysis of the civil factors that
  shape the OE. As a part of mission analysis, the METT-TC mission variables are evaluated for those aspects
  of the OE that directly or indirectly affect a mission. The CAO staff provides the commander with a detailed
  civil considerations analysis which focuses on how ASCOPE affects the civil component of the AO.