Office of Civilian-Military Cooperation

The Office of Civilian-Military Cooperation (DCHA/CMC) was created in 2005 to foster civilian-military cooperation in support of development objectives and the National Security Strategy. CMC seeks to optimize application of USAID's unique development expertise to shape USAID/DOD cooperation in steady state, prevention, stabilization, transition, reconstruction and humanitarian assistance activities to strengthen host nation effectiveness.

Representing the spectrum of the Agency functions, DCHA/CMC provides the focal point for USAID interaction with US and foreign militaries in formalized relationships through coordinated planning, training, education and exercises. Program areas of common interest include humanitarian assistance, conflict prevention and mitigation, disaster management countering violent extremism, counter-insurgency, post-conflict stabilization and reconstruction and security sector reform.

AID's Senior Development Advisors in the Africa Forces Command (AFRICOM), Central Command (CENTCOM), Europe Command (EUCOM), Pacific Command (PACOM) and Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and joint Staff at the Pentagon insure that DCHA/OMA fosters collaboration with USAID's regional and central bureaus. Complementing this, six Geographic Combatant Command Liaison Officers (LNOs) assigned to DCHA/OMA - from AFRICOM, CENTCOM, EUCOM, PACOM, SOCOM and SOUTHCOM - ensure access to all levels of the DoD.

DCHA/CMC reinforces DCHA's strong links with the military and its lead role in quick response to conflict, reconstruction, transition, and disaster and famine situations. DCHA/CMC has links with USAID's regional and central bureaus to assure that all of USAID's interface needs with DoD are coordinated and informed. DCHA/CMC coordinates with the U.S. Department of State's Office of Political-Military Affairs and Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization (S/CRS) on planning and implementation of activities under USG policy and strategy.