text: Operations Structure
  warfighting function tasks focus on integrating the activities of the other elements of combat power to
  accomplish missions. Commanders, assisted by their staffs, integrate numerous processes and activities
  within their headquarters and across the force through the command and control warfighting function.
  These tasks are—
  * Command forces.
  * Control operations.
  * Drive the operations process.
  * Establish the command and control system.
  4-70. CA forces provide the commander with increased command and control by providing an improved
  situational awareness through CKI, enabling unity of effort through CMI, and providing expertise in
  governance when conducting TG. Civil networks built and integrated into operations during all phases of the
  competition continuum provide commanders with a wealth of information regarding the civil component of
  the OE. CNDE provides access to information sources, resources, and the ability to produce desired effects
  in areas where U.S. forces may have no physical presence. CNDE and CMI also provide the commander the
  ability to extend command influence across the operational area and into areas of interest.
  4-71. In the consolidation and support areas, CNDE provides access to resources, information, and data that
  leads to better plans for SCA or transitional military authority. Identification of civil governance resources,
  capabilities, and critical infrastructure enable civil security and civil control requirements. The enhanced
  understanding and knowledge promote decisions that lead to more accurate and precise operations in support
  of offensive, defensive, or stability actions needed at other locations within the AO. In the close and deep
  areas, civil networks developed by CA forces provide valuable civil information and data regarding the
  conditions that await U.S. forces beyond the forward line of own troops. This information also allows staffs
  to prepare for the consolidation operations, identification of critical infrastructure, and resources that are
  needed as the bulk of the U.S. offensive moves forward.
  4-72. Through CNA, civil information is used to produce relevant and current civil knowledge. CKI is
  accomplished through CAO staff to integrate the resulting civil knowledge into the commander’s decision-
  making process to increase the effectiveness of command and control at all echelons and to gain the
  information advantage.
  CIVIL AFFAIRS INTEGRATION INTO INFORMATION OPERATIONS
  4-73. The role of CAO as an information-related capability is multifaceted. CAO is integrated with other
  information-related capabilities into the IO plan of the commander to provide the tangible actions or events
  needed for the commander to translate a message through the physical dimension of the information
  environment. In this way, CAO act as the tangible connection for the commander to be able to influence the
  cognitive dimension and produce desired effects in the civil component.
  4-74. Assessments of atmospherics through CE and changes in behavior spotted through patterned CR also
  allow for commanders to understand the effects of IO plans and actions. When the IO effort of the commander
  necessitates an attack orientation, CA forces integrate mobilized civil networks into operations to increase
  civil security and civil control, thereby impairing threat networks and degrading popular support for threat
  elements. In stabilization, CAO is most often synchronized with combat camera, PSYOP, public affairs, and
  foreign disclosure to align actions with messages and themes to create support for rule of law, local security
  forces, and legitimate authority.
  4-75. Through the IO working group, the CAO staff provides advice and support with the following
  information:
  * Specific country information.
  * Timely update of the civil component of the common operational picture through the CKI process.
  * Civil considerations within the OE.
  * Concerns of population groups within the projected joint operations area or AO and potential flash
  points that might result in civil instability.
  * Cultural awareness briefings.