Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Civil Affairs (CA) is a term used by both the United Nations and by military institutions (such as the US military), but for different purposes in each case. The UN uses the term "Civil Affairs" differently from other - mainly military - institutions. Civil affairs officers in UN peace operations are not military officers but are civilian UN staff members who are often at the forefront of a mission s interaction with local government officials, civil society, and other civilian partners in the international community.