text: Stability Tasks in Military Operations
  protection of civilians directly. In other cases, operations have a secondary effect of protecting civilians.
  Routine Army warfighting functions such as intelligence, mission command, sustainment, and protection
  may require some modification to account for protection of civilians.
  Comprehensively Engage the Full Range of Actors
  1-60. Protection of civilians usually requires contributions from a wide variety of military and nonmilitary
  actors (both local and international) who are not subordinate to a common authority and do not necessarily
  share the same objectives. A comprehensive approach to protecting civilians is, generally, the most
  effective. In a comprehensive approach, military and nonmilitary actors integrate military and nonmilitary
  means to achieve shared objectives while understanding that many of the nonmilitary considerations are
  most important in the long term. It is particularly important to understand protection of civilians from the
  local population’s perspective. Army units should integrate plans and operations with those of other
  partners. Examples of comprehensive engagement includes engaging with key leaders and the population,
  conducting multinational operations with international and host-nation police and military partners,
  building the capacity of (or enabling) other partners, developing effective civil-military operations centers,
  and enabling humanitarian assistance.
  Shape the Protective Environment
  1-61. In addition to understanding and operating within an operational environment, Army leaders must
  determine how to shape that environment in ways that enhance protection of civilians. These shaping
  efforts are achieved through effective risk mitigation, information-related capabilities, and programs
  including security sector reform; disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration; and transitional justice.
  Additionally, Army leaders focus on eliminating conflict-related sexual violence and protecting children
  from threats—including recruitment as child soldiers. These problems are often overlooked but are critical
  to address. It is impossible to have a secure environment and adequate protection of civilians when
  atrocities of these types regularly occur. Local, community efforts are also critical for protection of
  civilians. Other partners (including domestic and international political, police, humanitarian, and
  developmental organizations) have primary responsibility, authority, and capability for many functions.
  Often, Army units are limited to a supporting and enabling role.
  Challenges to Protection of Civilians
  1-62. While conducting operations to achieve protection of civilians, military forces will confront
  tradeoffs, gaps, and challenges that require difficult choices by unit leaders. Most problems will be
  situational in nature and defy a blanket solution. Tradeoffs occur when conflicting considerations exist and
  leaders must attempt to strike a balance between them. For example, peace and stability are important
  objectives, but so is a just environment in which basic human rights are protected and violators are held
  accountable. Other tradeoffs include the role of host-nation and external actors, the pursuit of short-term
  and long-term goals, and the balanced protection of civilians with other objectives. Requirements for
  effective protection of civilians will likely exceed capacity. In addition, host-nation corruption, constraints
  with respect to civilian authorities and responsibilities, and difficulties in achieving unity of effort among
  the diverse actors will likely challenge Army units. (For additional resources, see the Peacekeeping and
  Stability Operations Institute [PKSOI] Web site.)
  MASS ATROCITY RESPONSE OPERATIONS
  1-63. Commanders should be prepared within their capabilities to monitor, prevent, and if necessary,
  respond to mass atrocity situations in all operations, not just in peace operations. Evidence of previously
  committed mass atrocities can also become known during the course of peace operations, potentially
  raising diplomatic, political, and social turmoil, the consequences of which can directly affect ongoing
  operations. Addressing the sources of instability may contribute to preventing mass atrocities. Military
  support and supporting efforts of other agencies and organizations in response to mass atrocities may be
  key to the success of stability missions. (JP 3-07.3 provides joint doctrine for mass atrocity response
  operations. For additional resources, see the PKSOI Web site.)