Civil Affairs: Tactical Level Operations, Strategic Level Implications

The Indigenous Approach

Lt. Col. Sam Hayes, the Inter-agency Coordinator for the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade, hosts a discussion with members of the Civil Affairs regiment surrounding the Civil Affairs role at the tactical level in the great power competition in different global regions. They touch on embassy work, combining Military Information Support Operations with Civil Affairs capabilities, and the importance of civil society organizations.

1st Sgt. Enrique Hernandez is an active duty Non-Commissioned Officer serving as a Company First Sergeant in 96th Civil Affairs Battalion (SO) (A). He has deployed to numerous countries within the SOUTHCOM and CENTCOM AORs.

Maj. J. David Thompson is an active duty U.S. Army Civil Affairs Major assigned to 96th Civil Affairs Battalion (SO)(A). He has a number of deployments to the Middle East and Southwest Asia. David has a Juris Doctorate from Washington and Lee University School of Law. He also holds a BS in Economics and MBA in Leadership from Liberty University. Outside the military, he's worked at the UN Refugee Agency, Department of Defense, and Physicians for Human Rights – Israel.

1st Sgt. Richard Bisbal is an active-duty member in U.S. Army Civil Affairs. Serving in the 95th CA BDE (SO) (A). He has served in MEDCOM, the 98th CA BN, and 95th CA BDE with various deployments South America. 1SG Bisbal has a Bachelor's degree in Health Care Management from Trident University in California, and a Master of Arts Degree in Strategic Security Studies from National Defense University in Washington, D.C.

Maj. Mike Casiano is an active-duty U.S. Army Civil Affairs Officer serving in the 95th CA BDE (SO) (A). He has served in 1st Armored Division, the 98th CA BN, and 1SFC (A) with various deployments across the Middle East and South America. Mike has multiple degrees to include a Master of Arts Degree in Public Policy: International Affairs from Liberty University, a Master of Military Arts and Science Degree in Military Operations from the US Army Command and General Staff College, and a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in International Management from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Capt. Christina Plumley is an active duty U.S. Army Civil Affairs officer serving in E Company, 97th Civil Affairs Battalion (SO)(A). She has recent experience in Southeast Asia as the Theater Civil Military Support Element Deputy Operations Chief. She previously served with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, supporting and executing multinational military exercises across Europe. She holds a Bachelor's of Science in International Relations and French from the United States Military Academy.

Capt. Paul Kuemmerlein is an active-duty U.S. Army Civil Affairs officer serving in Fox Co, 83d Civil Affairs Battalion. Paul deployed to Guyana from AUG-DEC 2020 where he led his CA Team ISO synchronized SOF efforts and interagency collaboration with DOS and host-nation counter-COVID efforts. A NOV 2019 Graduate of the U.S. Army JFK Special Warfare Center and School, Paul’s pre-SOF career in Transportation and Logistics included assignments in Korea (Camps Walkers & Henry) and Fort Hood, TX.

Lt. Col. Sam Hayes is an active-duty U.S. Army Civil Affairs officer serving at the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade (SO) (A). He has served with the 82nd Airborne Division, the 96th Civil Affairs Battalion, 82nd Civil Affairs Battalion, USAJFK Special Warfare Center and School, USCAPOC(A), and NATO with various deployment across the Middle East and Africa. Sam has multiple degrees to include a Masters of Art in Information Warfare and Political Strategy from Naval Postgraduate School and a Ph.D. in Organizational Management with a specialization in Leadership from Capella University.