text: Preface
  FM 3-57 provides Army commanders with the information necessary for the integration of Civil Affairs forces
  and capabilities, by echelon, in support of unified land operations. It also provides the doctrinal basis for the
  conduct of Civil Affairs operations in support of unified action.
  FM 3-57 clarifies the role of Civil Affairs forces in the execution of Civil Affairs operations with regard to the
  missions, employment, support requirements, capabilities, and limitations of these forces. Civil Affairs forces
  execute Civil Affairs operations in support of unified land operations in all theaters, at all echelons, across the
  competition continuum to achieve unity of effort. A force multiplier for every commander, Civil Affairs forces are
  one of the primary resources a commander has to assist in understanding and managing the complex and ever-
  changing civil component of the operational environment. Civil Affairs forces are trained, organized, and equipped
  to plan, execute, and assess Civil Affairs operations in support of Army and joint operations. Cultural orientation,
  regional expertise, linguistic capabilities, advisory skills, civil network development expertise, and civilian-acquired
  professional experience in common government functions distinguish Civil Affairs forces from other enablers.
  This makes Civil Affairs forces essential to the success of all missions that occur near, among, or with civilian
  populations, governments, or interorganizational partners.
  The principal audience for FM 3-57 is the leadership of the Army, officers, and senior noncommissioned officers
  who command Army forces or serve on the staffs that support those commanders of operations across the conflict
  continuum. It is also an applicable reference for the civilian leadership of partner United States departments and
  agencies.
  This manual is written primarily to assist the Army component commands, Army corps, Army divisions, brigade
  combat teams, maneuver enhancement brigades, theater special operations commands, and special operations task
  forces with the integration of Civil Affairs operations in planning, preparing for, executing, and assessing unified
  land operations.
  Commanders, staffs, and subordinates ensure their decisions and actions comply with applicable United States,
  international, and, in some cases, host-nation laws and regulations. Commanders at all levels ensure their Soldiers
  operate in accordance with the law of war and the rules of engagement. (See FM 6-27.)
  FM 3-57 uses joint terms, where applicable. Selected joint and Army terms and definitions appear in both the
  glossary and the text. Terms for which FM 3-57 is the proponent publication (the authority) are marked with an
  asterisk (*) in the glossary. Definitions for which FM 3-57 is the proponent publication are boldfaced in the text.
  For other definitions shown in the text, the term is italicized and the number of the proponent publication follows
  the definition.
  FM 3-57 applies to the Active Army, the Army National Guard (or Army National Guard of the United States),
  and the United States Army Reserve unless otherwise stated.
  The proponent of FM 3-57 is the U.S. Army Special Operations Center of Excellence, U.S. Army John F. Kennedy
  Special Warfare Center and School. Send comments and recommendations on a DA Form 2028 (Recommended
  Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) to Commander, U.S. Army Special Operations Center of Excellence,
  USAJFKSWCS, ATTN: AOJK-CAD, 3004 Ardennes Street, Stop A, Fort Bragg, NC 28310-9610; by email to
  cadoctrine@socom.mil; or by submitting an electronic DA Form 2028.