Integrating Government Functional Specialty Teams in Civil Affairs Operations
- Eunomia Journal
- Sep 18
- 3 min read
CPT Benjamin Lion, CPT David Clinnick
Since the inception of the 38G Military Government Officer program and the corresponding creation of the Government Functional Specialty Teams (FxSPs), effectively integrating the FxSPs' valuable skill set into the larger Civil Affairs (CA) team mission has proved challenging. This is primarily because this level of integration was unprecedented. At Exercise Pacific Sentry 2025 (PACSEN 25), the 351st Civil Affairs Command (CACOM) achieved a broader spectrum of support by validating the integration of CA capabilities across echelons. This exercise also demonstrated the operational relevance of the FxSP in supporting large-scale combat operations (LSCO).
The 351st CACOM implemented a Civil-Military Operations Command (CMOC) for PACSEN 25, consisting of Continental United States (CONUS) and Outside Continental United States (OCONUS) teams. The teams established seamless operational integration through expanded communications, creating rapid reach-back capabilities. As the OCONUS team liaised with the Combatant Command and the Joint Force Land Component Command (JFLCC), it produced requests for information (RFIs) based on emerging issues in the battlespace. The FxSP was able to expedite and contribute to the development of timely and mission-relevant products, equipping upper echelons with information to prepare for Phase IV CA operations and resources.
The CONUS team was composed of nine personnel from the 351st CACOM FxSP and two from the 445th Civil Affairs Battalion. The team included 38G Additional Skill Identifier (ASI) subject matter experts (SMEs) in Legal, Energy, Education, Agri-Business and Food, Heritage and Preservation, Medical Planning, and Logistics. These individuals provided functional expertise that directly supported the OCONUS team.
Throughout the exercise, the 38G SME contributions were evident in the quality and responsiveness of the team’s outputs. Products included comprehensive area studies focusing on two specific countries in the area of operations, rapid responses to RFIs, and advisory input on governance, infrastructure, and civil-military integration. One participant noted the FxSP’s role as “instrumental in helping knowledge management architect the battlefield digitally for our warfighters across the multi-domain and at echelon.”
As the Indo-Pacific region remains a strategic priority for the United States, exercises such as PACSEN 25 ensure that Civil Affairs units remain agile, informed, and prepared to support the warfighter. The FxSP’s contributions to transitional governance, civil knowledge integration, and civil-military coordination reaffirmed the essential role of Civil Affairs in shaping the operational environment. As one participant concluded, “This hopefully will be the first of many exercises to show the effectiveness of the transitional governance that FxSP members can offer.”
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect any official policy or position of the U.S. Army, the Department of Defense, of any other U.S. government agency.
About the Authors
Dr. Benjamin Lion, CPT (U.S. Army Reserve), serves as Vice President for Student Affairs, bringing over 20 years of professional experience in higher education leadership. In addition to his civilian role, CPT Lion serves as a Public Education Officer (38G 6D) in the U.S. Army Reserve, leveraging his expertise in education systems and strategic communication to support civil-military operations. With a strong background in student affairs administration, organizational development, and crisis management, Dr. Lion is recognized for fostering inclusive environments and implementing transformative initiatives that improve student outcomes. His career reflects a deep commitment to leadership, service, and innovation in both higher education and military contexts.