Civil-military operations center

F.L.T. in Fallujah, Iraq (Fall 2004)

A civil-military operations center or CMOC is a center usually established by a military force for coordinating civil-military operations in an area of operations.^[1][2] It usually serves as a meeting place for military and non military entities involved in stabilization, humanitarian relief and reconstruction activities or for interaction between these entities and the civilian population. Often, it also serves as a central location for information on civilian related activities in the area or maintains the status of the infrastructure or institutions. During combat operations, a CMOC is usually in a secure compound.

Historical example

During the Iraq War, the U.S. Marines operated a CMOC near the city of Fallujah outside of the MEK Compound.^[3] This CMOC was called the Fallujah Liaison Team or F.L.T. and it was a compound used for interaction between the Marines and the local civilians. At the F.L.T., Marines supported by U.S. Navy Seabees developed and managed reconstruction projects with local contractors. Marines also settled battle damage claims and facilitated reestablishment of local governance.

International operations

Humanitarian operations involving multiple international organizations often use other terms for a CMOC, such as Combined Coordination Center. These centers seek to achieve coordination and unity of effort among organizations delivering humanitarian aid during disaster relief.

Historical example

During the humanitarian response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, militaries from multiple countries worked with non-governmental organizations at a Combined Coordination Center to organize delivery of humanitarian aid to the region.^[4]

Notes

1. ^ Chairman, U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. Civil-Military Operations, Joint Publication (JP) 3-57 (Washington, DC: CJCS, July 08, 2008), p. xviii.
2. ^ Office of Military Affairs, U.S. Agency for International Development. Civilian-Military Operations Guide (April 27, 2010), p. 34.
3. ^ Lawrence, Virginia K. "4th CAG Marines have left the building", Marines.mil website, October 10, 2006. Retrieved on September 28, 2008.
4. ^ Asia-Pacific Defense Forum Staff. "Turning Military Coorperation Into Humanitarian Aid", Asian-Pacific Forum, Special Edition 2005. Retrieved on 2009-02-07.