(Photo by USAR Public Affairs)
In coordination with its partners and friends, the Civil Affairs Association is hosting the 2024 Civil Affairs Symposium at the Bucks County Community College’s Gallagher Room on main campus in Newtown, PA, just outside of Philadelphia on Friday and Saturday, 15-16 November. The event takes place concurrent to the 304th Civil Affairs Brigade’s 75th anniversary, celebrated at its dining out that Saturday evening.
This year’s theme is “Teaming Civil Affairs: Lessons from the Field,” which looks at how Army multicomponent and joint CA teaming is pointing to a way forward for successful integration of CA forces in strategic competition and stabilization as well as large-scale combat operations (LSCO). This is further explained in the 2024-25 Civil Affairs Issue Papers call for papers.
From the workshops, speakers, panels, and Civil Affairs Issue Papers, the Symposium enables the Corps to convene, network, formulate, and discuss force development ways ahead among Civil Affairs practitioners and partners as well as institutional and policy leaders. It also provides a chance to recognize outstanding Corps members, enjoy camaraderie, and build esprit de corps.
On Friday morning, 15 November, workshops by the U.S. Army Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute, U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center & School, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, and U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) 38G Program will gather lessons on multicomponent CA teaming and other forms of partnering. A full agenda will be posted in October.
The next day (Saturday the 16th), the workshops will report on their findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Senior military and CA command and institutional leaders will express their views and provide guidance on the future of Civil Affairs and CA force development. Invited speakers include: Lt. Gen. Jonathan P. Braga, Commanding General, U.S. Army Special Operations Command.
Prior to lunch, Dr. Stanislava Mladenova, Global Fellow, Brown University will present on her seminal book, When Rambo Meets the Red Cross: Civil-Military Engagement in Fragile States. Copies will be available for purchase at a 40% discount. Dr. Mladenova will be glad to sign these or any other copies you bring.
That afternoon, the committee that began last December will provide its report on “Telling the Civil Affairs Story: A Narrative Strategy for Civil Affairs.” The final act at the Symposium will be the presentation of Issue Papers selected for publication in its 11th volume in early 2025 and competing for prizes of up to $1,000 for best paper presentation.
That evening, Symposium attendees can attend the 304th Civil Affairs Brigade 75th Anniversary Dining Out at the Rosebank Winery, Newtown, PA, which will include announcement and presentation of 2024 Winfield Scott Medal recipients and Civil Affairs Association awards. Invited speaker is Lt. Gen. Robert D. Harter, Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command.
To register for the Civil Affairs Conference, go to the Civil Affairs Association website. The conference fee is $45 for Association members and $55 for non-members (online advance registration only), which covers administrative costs, Saturday daytime beverages and Saturday catered lunch. Walk-ins must pay $60 cash at the registration desk run by the Association Secretary.
Attendance at the 304th Civil Affairs Brigade 75th Anniversary Dining Out is an individual choice and responsibility. Dinner fee per person is up to $110, with a selection of meals at sign-up. For more information and to sign up, go to the 304th Civil Affairs Brigade Dining Out page or use the QR code below.
Lodging for this event is also an individual responsibility – available nearby at the Hampton Inn & Suites Newtown, PA and other locations. Please make your reservation soonest.
