CIVIL-MILITARY OPERATIONS FUNDAMENTALS

Introduction

The AFP’s vast experience in the conduct of internal security operations has
enriched its CMO activities. The experience has established that victory in this type of
conflict is very much dependent on the support of the people, and our ability to weaken
the will of the enemies to resist.

Getting the support of the people is no easy task but is an important component
in the success of military operations. The support of the people enables us to gather
real time intelligence that contributes a lot for our troops to fix and destroy a highly
mobile enemy. This will considerably lessen the material, financial and moral support
that the enemy obtains from the masses.

The National Internal Security Plan (NISP) recognizes that the AFP can address
all internal threats and, more importantly, assist in nation building. This is not a new role
for the AFP since traditionally it is a government institution that not only deters
aggressors but also assists in nation building and development.

It is in this light that this doctrine has been written to provide a clear and concise
understanding of CMO.

CMO in the AFP Triad Operations

The AFP triad is composed of CMO, Intelligence, and Operations. It calls for the
three-pronged approach in fighting insurgency. Close coordination and co-equal footing
of the concepts in the AFP triad will lead to winning the war.

CMO plays a vital role in the AFP triad operations. It operates using a different
but equally important approach in dealing with the insurgents. It is sometimes referred
to as the “out-of-the-box” approach because of the non-traditional methods applied to
the enemy and their supporters.

As part of the triad, CMO synergizes its activities with the Intelligence and
Operations. Intelligence gathers and processes the necessary essential intelligence
information requirements while Operations focuses on the maneuver of combat or
attacking forces. CMO, on the other hand, manages the impact of the military
operations on civilians and enemy forces. It addresses different tasks in the battlefield –
Public Affairs in the rear; Civil Affairs and PsyOps in the flanks and the main battle area.
It counters enemy propaganda delivered from all sectors of the battlefield. It assists
Intelligence in gathering information from people while it facilitates damage control of
harmful effect of combat operations not only to the people but also to the environment.

Getting the support of people is an important component in the success of

military operations. Support of the people provides real time intelligence that contributes
to the information gathered to fix and destroy a highly mobile enemy. The battle is not
only fought in the battlefield but also in the mind of all stakeholders of the war. Winning
the hearts and minds of the people is considered a major key in the Principle of War on
Popular Support. “Winning the battle without a single shot,” is also maxim that requires
special acme of skills. This will considerably lessen the material, financial, and moral
support that the enemy obtains from the masses. This is where CMO comes in as the
non-traditional component of the AFP triad.

Regardless of the differences and similarities among the triad’s approaches, the CMO
objectives of weakening the enemy’s will to fight and gaining popular support are
essentials in the pursuit of the accomplishment of the AFP’s mission. It is therefore
imperative for CMO to synchronize its efforts towards the success of the AFP triad
operations.

Definition
CMO are planned activities undertaken independently or in coordination with
civilian entities to gain popular support and weaken the enemy’s will to fight in support to
the accomplishment of the AFP mission.
CMO, a vital component of the triad, is characterized by activities that influence
the beliefs, emotions, behaviors, attitudes, and opinions of intended audiences to
facilitate military operations. CMO establishes and maintains good relations among
military forces, government and non-government civil authorities, and the populace.
Supporting government’s development activities, protecting the environment, and
helping people prepare for and cope with the disasters and calamities are also its
objectives.
CMO Structure Transition

1. Old CMO Pillars (before 2004)

a. MILE – Military Livelihood Enhancement
b. MILVED – Military Values Education
c. PI – Public Information
d. COMREL – Community Relations
e. CIVAC – Civic Action
f. RSS – Research and Special Studies
g. PSYOPS – Psychological Operations

2. Transition CMO Pillars (2004 to 2006)

a. MILITARY AFFAIRS
1) Military Livelihood Enhancement
2) Military Values Education
3) CI – Command Information
b. CIVIL RELATIONS
1) Public Information
2) Community Relations
3) Military Civic Action

c. PSYOPS
1) Words PsyOps
2) Deeds PsyOps
3) Counter-Propaganda
3. New CMO Pillars (Present)
 a. PUBLIC AFFAIRS
1) Public Information
2) Community Relations
b. CIVIL AFFAIRS
1) Civil Relations
2) Civic Action
c. PSYOPS
1) Words PsyOps
2) Deeds PsyOps
3) Counter-Propaganda

4. Advantages of New CMO Pillars/Categories:

a. Simple and easy to remember

b. Clearly defined target audience
c. PsyOps is strengthened

CMO Pillars and Its Program Components

To easily understand the pillars and components, a CMO model was developed.

Enemy

PsyOps
Counter
- Prop

Civil
Military
Opn
Opn
Civil Public
Affairs Affairs

Civilian CIVREL COMREL Public/

Authorities RELATIONSHIPS Community
Figure 1 - CMO Triangle

The entire triangle is an equilateral triangle that places the 3 CMO pillars, its
relationship to the target audience and its activities, which connotes equality in
importance to CMO as a whole.

The 3 CMO pillars, namely PsyOps, Civil Affairs, and Public Affairs are also in a
form of equilateral triangles, which are placed together with one touching the other, and
form a bigger triangle that constitutes the entire CMO Triangle.

The inverted triangle in the middle of the CMO Triangle represents the interplay
of the 3 pillars which compose the Civil Military Operations.
 The PsyOps is red which signifies intensity and strength in dealing with the
enemy. It is placed at the topmost of the CMO Triangle which implies the urgency to
defeat the enemy.

The Civil Affairs triangle is green which implies cooperation and loyalty with the
civilian authorities. It is placed at the right side of the CMO Triangle which implies the
immediate and strong partnership with the civilian authorities.

The Public Affairs triangle is blue which indicates relevance and responsiveness
in dealing with the public or community. It is placed at the left side of the CMO Triangle
which indicates sincere relationship with the community.

The Civil Military Operations triangle being at the center is white which implies
strength of character especially in dealing with the enemy, while it implies cooperation
and relevance with both the civilian authorities and the public.

The side / perimeter nouns i.e. Action, Communication, and Relationships signify
the primary nature of activities for every pillar.

The three (3) target element at the edges of the triangle i.e. Enemy, Civilian
Authority, and Public/Community indicates CMO’s commitment and focus toward these
audiences.

The CMO triangle shows that the CMO pillars are complementing and
interrelated with one another. The triangle represents the three CMO pillars, its program
components, and target audiences. The perimeter specifies the emphasis of each pillar
on the efforts each has to contend with in the conduct of its activities.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS PILLAR

Public Affairs (PA) is a CMO Pillar that conducts information-related activities

directed to the external public to ensure clear, accurate, and timely dissemination of
information to preserve security and privacy. It is likewise performed to establish and
maintain constructive relations with the communities in order to promote the
organization’s objectives. PA activities are designed to gain peoples’ trust, support, and
confidence to the AFP.
The conduct of PA ranges from Public Information and Community Relations
activities and programs. It makes the soldiers aware of the importance of the information
environment and community support which affects the conduct of military operations.

Public Information (PI)

Public Information is a program component of PA that conducts

information activities directed to the public to ensure a clear, accurate, and timely
dissemination of information. PI provides information to the general public through the
use of media. It intensifies public awareness about the AFP.

PI may include, but is not limited to the following activities,

 depending on the military objectives:

1. Press releases
Information released to the media pertaining to AFP activities,
ISO and nation building accomplishments, and positions on national and
some international issues with relevance to national security.
2. Media appearances
Activities conducted by the AFP through TV appearances and
radio guestings of key AFP personnel to advocate AFP programs and
activities and give details on AFP positions on issues relevant to national
security.
3. Press conferences
Press conferences are meetings of the media with key AFP
personnel who discuss AFP programs, activities, and positions on certain
issues and other matters significant to the organization.
4. AFP information campaign
Information campaigns are activities to promote AFP objectives
using various media.

5. Public symposium
Dialogues held with sectors of society regarding the relevance
of the AFP in national development and other issues in relation to peace and
order.
6. Face-to-face dialogues
Dialogues conducted by the AFP with an individual or small
group of individuals to deliver AFP messages in a more personal basis.
7. Audio-Visual presentations
Activities conducted by the AFP using photo and static displays
and video-documentary presentations that highlight the AFP as a valuable
index of national history and development.

The active and timely release of complete and accurate information

influences the perception of events, clarifies public understanding, and initiates public
debate. It pre-empts attempts to misrepresent situations. When adversaries are making
intentional misinformation or disinformation efforts, providing open access and
independent media coverage is the most effective defense. It is a key tool for countering
the impact of enemy information operations.

Community Relations (COMREL)

Community Relations is a program component of Public Affairs that

establishes and maintains constructive relationship with communities to promote the
AFP objectives through information activities.
 COMREL involves organized participation of AFP personnel in community-
related information activities. This is to identify soldiers as part of communities while
providing support in planning and implementation of community programs.

COMREL may include, but is not limited to the following

activities, depending on the military objectives: 1) Military participation in
community assemblies and dialogues; 2) Community participation in military-
initiated community activities, and 3) production of information materials to
promote the organization’s objectives.

CIVIL AFFAIRS PILLAR

Civil Affairs is a CMO pillar undertaken independent of or in coordination with

civilian entities that promotes public trust through cooperation, collaboration, and
conduct of sociological and developmental activities to gain popular support.

Its activities are designed to win the hearts and minds of the people; gain their
willing cooperation, support, and confidence; and induce their active participation in the
attainment of military objectives and national goals.

The conduct of Civil Affairs ranges from Civil Relations and Civic Action activities
and programs. It makes the AFP responsive to the needs of the society which leads the
public to respond in a favorable way towards the AFP.

Civil Relations (CIVREL)

Civil Relations (CIVREL) is a program component of Civil Affairs that

promotes cooperation and collaboration between the military and the civilian authorities.
It enhances the conduct of civilian-oriented activities to promote closer cooperation with
the people and obtain a wide base of popular support for the AFP and the government.

It may include, but is not limited to, the following activities,

depending on the military objectives:

1. Inter-agency coordination - interface with other

government agencies that will identify and facilitate the acquisition of local
resources, facilities, and support.

2. Participation in cause-oriented initiatives – involvement

in economic and psycho-political activities that include networking with
agencies and institutions involved in development process, empowering
civilians, and giving access to development programs of the government.

3. Participation in socio-cultural activities – involvement in

psycho-social activities that require participation in the protection and
preservation of cultural assets, customs, traditions, and practices.
 4. Participation in national/local historical events –
involvement in psycho-social activities that bring pride and honor on the
national and local historical events.

CIVREL involves the organized participation of AFP personnel in civilian-

initiated activities while supporting them in the planning and implementation of their
programs.

Civic Action (CIVAC)

Civic Action is a component of Civil Affairs that conducts military initiated

activities with developmental and sociological purposes in order to gain popular support.

CIVAC is characterized by community activities that are development

oriented. It can range from delivery of basic services to implementation of major
engineering projects.

CIVAC may include, but is not limited to, the following activities,
depending on the military objectives:

1. Medical and dental service - activities that include treatment,

consultation, and surgery. These are more often conducted in remote areas to
address health problems in the communities
2. Engineer capability assistance - activities that involve
construction and repair of infrastructures that directly benefits the community.
3. Humanitarian assistance - disaster preparedness,
mitigation, and relief and response operations (DIMRO) activities that seize
every opportunity to demonstrate AFP dependability and readiness during
disasters, and the willingness to mobilize people during emergencies.

4. Environmental protection - activities that support and

ensure compliance to environmental laws, community environment protection
programs, reforestation projects, and assistance in anti-illegal logging
campaigns.

PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATIONS PILLAR

Psychological Operation (PsyOps) is a CMO pillar that aims to influence the

beliefs, emotions, attitudes, opinions, and behavior of target audiences (enemy and its
mass base and supporters) to redirect unfavorable attitudes and behavior into favorable,
and to transform neutral or passive attitude and behavior to favorable.

PsyOps is the planned use of activities and other measures, whether they are
military, political, economic, ethical or social, aimed at influencing the attitudes, opinions,
emotions, and behaviors of a target group.

The program components under the PsyOps are Words, Deeds, and Counter
Propaganda.
Words Psychological Operations (Words PsyOps)

Words PsyOps is a program component of PsyOps that involves the

production and dissemination of information, concept, or idea through various media to
influence the attitude and behavior of the target audience. Its medium may be face-to-
face, printed, audio (radio and loud speaker), audio-visual (television, motion pictures,
and skits/plays), objects or merchandises, and information technology (IT).

Words PsyOps can also be called “communication products.” The Words

PsyOps Worksheet is used in making Words PsyOps products.

Words PsyOps delivers a theme or message to influence the mindset of

the target audience in accordance to the way intended for them to do.

It may include, but is not limited to the following activities,

depending on the military objectives:

1. Production and distribution of printed materials such as

leaflets, brochures, comics, posters, books, streamers, and billboards; and

2. Production and presentation of audio, visual and audio-

visual products such as documentaries, TV and radio plugs, conduct of radio
programs, and puppet show, among others.

Deeds Psychological Operations (Deeds PsyOps)

Deeds PsyOps is a program component of PsyOps that involves the

conduct of combat and non-combat activities, outside of pure communication activities,
to influence the attitude and behavior of the target audience. Activities under Deeds
PsyOps are combat and non-combat activities that aim to influence the attitude and
behavior of the target audience and involve the participation of the target audience and
the soldiers in an event or action.

Deeds PsyOps can also be called “actions.” In conducting Deeds PsyOps,

Words PsyOps is used to complement the objective of the activity. The Deeds PsyOps
Worksheet is used in planning Deeds PsyOps activities.

Examples of Deeds PsyOps are combat operations, guerilla theater

operation, deception operations, conduct of checkpoints, and other CMO
oriented activities such as livelihood projects, sports festival, medical and
dental civic actions, and Army Literacy Patrol System (ALPS).

Counter Propaganda
 Counter Propaganda is a program component of PsyOps that involves the
conduct of activities in response to enemy propaganda.

It is aimed at neutralizing the harmful effects of the enemy’s propaganda

efforts and redirecting the target audience to favor AFP objectives.

Counter Propaganda themes capitalize on the weaknesses and

inconsistencies of the enemy’s propaganda. It may employ both Words PsyOps
(communication products) and Deeds Psyops (actions).

Counter-propaganda measures include preventive actions (proactive) and

counter-actions (reactive).

a. Preventive Actions - awareness programs that inform and expose

friendly troops and populations to the nature of enemy propaganda. The purpose is to
help them understand their vulnerability to propaganda by informing them of enemy
propaganda themes that may be employed against them.

b. Counter-actions - measures used to reduce or neutralize the effects

of opponent’s propaganda. Counter-action techniques include direct refutation,
diversion, silence, restrictive measures, imitative deception, conditioning, forestalling,
and minimization, among others.

b.1. Direct Refutation- Used when enemy propaganda can be proven

to be wrong, direct refutation is a point for point rebuttal of the allegations stated in the
enemy’s propaganda.

b.2. Diversion- Use other themes that draw more attention.

b.3. Silence – No response. The PsyOps operator hopes that the

controversy will eventually die down. This technique is used when the danger of
unwanted publicity is present and the effects of counter-propaganda activities are
uncertain. However, silence can be misinterpreted as weakness and the enemy will
pursue a more aggressive propaganda campaign.

b.4. Restrictive Measures – Denying the target audience access to

enemy propaganda by censorship or repression. However, this technique arouses
curiosity and may even backfire as the target audience will be forced to obtain the
enemy’s propaganda covertly.

b.5. Imitative deception – Similar to black propaganda, imitative

deception involves the physical alteration of enemy propaganda to discredit it.
(Example: a leaflet or newsletter similar to the enemy’s propaganda in appearance but
with pro-government messages)

b.6. Conditioning – Education programs and information drives to

reduce susceptibility of the target audiences to enemy propaganda and softens the
target for government or military propaganda.

b.7. Forestalling – Enemy propaganda is anticipated by conducting

preemptive propaganda activities using possible enemy propaganda themes.
 b.8. Minimization – This involves acknowledging the enemy
propaganda but deemphasizing its contents and messages by giving it scant attention;
by insinuating that the enemy’s allegations will be later proven as inaccurate or false
and is only being used to discredit the government or the military.

Enemy Propaganda Product Analysis

SCAME stands for Source, Content, Audience, Media, and Effects. Good SCAME
analysis will provide the PsyOps operator with valuable information in developing
counter-propaganda.

1. SOURCE – Who sent the propaganda? The source is the individual or

organization that produced and disseminated the propaganda. Propaganda can be
classified on the basis of source as:

a. White – source is known and acknowledges the propaganda

b. Gray – source is unknown (not identified)
c. Black – source indicated is fake.

2. CONTENT – What is depicted on the enemy propaganda? What is the theme

used? What are the possible motives and objectives why the propaganda was
disseminated? Read the fine print and determine the ultimate and underlying messages.
From these messages, the PsyOps operator can infer information about enemy’s level
of morale and training, status of equipment, ammunition and manpower, changes in the
enemy order of battle and even intentions. Inconsistent data may provide valuable
insights into the actual situation of the enemy and his mass base.

3. AUDIENCE – Who is the target audience? Audiences can be broad like the
residents of a town or barangay or they can be specific to key communicators,
intermediaries and organizations. The real or intended target audience should be
identified as opposed to the unintended.

4. MEDIA – What media was used and why? Media analysis is important in
determining whether the intended target audience received the propaganda or not.

5. EFFECTS – Analyze the effects based on the same direct and indirect indicators
stated in the evaluation phase of the propaganda development process. Effects analysis
is necessary to determine whether the enemy’s propaganda was effective, partially
effective or ineffective and consequently, whether to conduct counter-propaganda
activities or not.

CMO Principles

The foundation of AFP operation is clear understanding of the Principles of War

and its application. CMO also follows its principles based on the Principles of War, most
of which are suited for non-combat operations, which is basically its nature. Population
Support, the most recent and accepted new Principle of War, is incorporated to include
Restraint and Legitimacy which are both placed under Population Support.
1. Objective
 Direct every CMO towards a clearly defined, decisive, and attainable objective.

CMO must be integrated with other factors of operation to contribute to the

accomplishment of the overall military mission. The objectives of CMO are to gain
popular support and weaken the enemies’ will to resist. However, modifications may be
done to suit the objectives of an operational mission.

2. Offensive

Seize, retain, and exploit the CMO initiative.

CMO can be used to demoralize the enemy while the force is conducting an
attack. A non-stop PsyOps offensive mixed with aggressive counter-propaganda efforts
against the enemy will keep the momentum on the military’s side.

3. Mass

Mass the effect of CMO activities at significant place and time.

The impact of CMO to a military activity can be significant if all available CMO
components are used.

4. Economy of Force

Employ all CMO activities available in the most effective way possible; allocate
minimum essential CMO components to secondary efforts.

The three CMO pillars are designed for specific objectives. These pillars must be
employed appropriately based on the desired impact. If the objective is about abating
the enemy’s will to fight, apply extensive PsyOps. If the objective is to gain popular
support, use Public Affairs or Civil Affairs depending on the specific objective of the
activity.

5. Maneuver

Place the enemy in a disadvantaged position through flexible application of CMO.

CMO must be used to gain support from as many people and communities as
possible. This is for the people to cease supporting the enemy.

6. Unity of Command

Seek unity of command and unity of effort for every CMO objective.

Unity of command requires carefully coordinated employment of CMO activities.

To reduce conflicts and maximize efforts, each level of command must support the
plans of higher and adjacent commands. The involvement of civilian agencies in military
operations may require commanders to seek an atmosphere of cooperation rather than
command authority to achieve objectives by unity of effort.
7. Security
 Forbid hostile factions to acquire an unexpected advantage.

Security enhances freedom of action by reducing vulnerability to hostile acts,

influence, or surprise. Commanders must protect their forces at all times. They should
never be lured into believing that non-hostile activities that support their mission, such
as CMO activities, do not put their forces at risk. Proper planning and knowledge and
understanding of the enemy strategy, doctrines, and tactics will lead to the integration of
adequate security measures in the CMO plan or order.

8. Surprise

Conduct CMO at a time or place wherein the enemy is unprepared.

CMO also requires ingenuity. Since it is a non-traditional military operation, it

must be conducted with creativity to prevent or delay the enemy from making counter
actions.

9. Simplicity

Prepare clear, concise, and uncomplicated CMO plans and orders to ensure
thorough understanding.

Simple plans and clear and concise orders minimize misunderstanding and
confusion. CMO may require inter-agency coordination and cooperation. Proper
understanding of the task to be performed by each participating unit or agency is
imperative.

10. Population Support

Seek popular support to win the war.

CMO aims to gain popular support for the military. The AFP believes that he who
has the support of the masses can win the war. In the outbreak of war or conflict,
people support is very essential and must not be discounted. Citizen’s welfare and
human rights must be respected and upheld at all times.

11. Restraint

Apply appropriate military capability prudently.

The actions of soldiers and units are structured by the disciplined application of
force, including specific Rules of Engagement (ROE). In CMO, the ROE will be more
restrictive, detailed, and sensitive to political concerns. Restraints on weapons, tactics,
and level of violence characterize the CMO environment. Diplomacy or the use of
negotiation techniques averts the use of force. Excessive force could adversely affect
efforts to gain popular support and impede attainment of both short and long term goals.

12. Legitimacy
 Sustain the acceptance by the people of the right of the government to govern or
of a group or agency to make and carry out decisions.

Committed forces must sustain legitimacy of operation. Legitimacy comes from

the perception that constituted authority is both genuine and effective, and employs
appropriate means for reasonable purposes. If committed forces solve an immediate
problem in an area but detract from the legitimacy of the government in doing so, they
may have acted detrimentally against long-term strategic aims.

CMO Imperatives

In conducting CMO activities, it is necessary to be guided with procedures and

other essential CMO-related concepts. CMO imperatives are vital in the success of
military operations.

1. Ensure unity and direction of effort

Leaders provide purpose, direction, and motivation to their soldiers. Every soldier
must understand the purpose of their actions and the role he would play in to
accomplish a mission. In like manner, all subordinate units’ CMO activities must support
and be directed to the accomplishment of the strategic mission. Priorities must also be
identified to avoid waste of resources.

2. Plan properly and anticipate events and requirements of CMO activities

To maintain initiative, it is important that proper planning and anticipation be

made. Appropriate planning facilitates systematic preparation and coordination of CMO
activities with task units and agencies. Enemy actions and counter actions must be
considered as measures to optimize the effect of CMO activities. Rehearsals of specific
activities should be made if necessary.

3. Provide protection and security measures

Force protection and security measures are paramount in every CMO activity.
Ingress and egress to target areas must be reckoned ahead of time. Route and area
security must be established before the conduct of an activity. CMO objectives can be
compromised by lapses in security.

4. Maximize media utilization

The media is a potent CMO tool. Use the media to exploit issues and events to
deny the enemy of people support, weaken their will to fight, and gain psychological
advantage over them. Foster more effective media relations in order to promptly and
widely disseminate Command public information messages.

5. Interface CMO efforts with LGUs, LGAs, NGOs, and other Pos

Coordination and cooperation with local government units and agencies, non-
government organizations, and other peoples’ organizations must be created in order to
muster resources for social mobilization. CMO specialists must have advocacy and
networking skills in order to enhance the convergence of various organizations.
 6. Use CMO as an enabler, catalyzer, unifier, and force multiplier

Community people must be motivated and influenced to take supportive actions

to the military. Assistance must be provided to the people during crisis situations
because they can be partners in the accomplishment of the military mission.

7. Exercise discipline and respect for human rights

CMO specialists must act as ambassadors of goodwill and maintain a positive

image of the AFP. Any misconduct committed, however minor, will be counter-
productive to any CMO effort. The best CMO is a disciplined soldier serving the people.

8. Use real-time intelligence

Intelligence information is essential to any CMO activity. Interactions with people

are potential sources of intelligence information. Draw on the opportunity and
disseminate obtained information properly. Always use real-time intelligence in planning
CMO activities as much as possible.

*** end ***