Appendix B
B-2 JP 3-57
mission, as well as how military operations impact these areas. Examples of key civilian
areas a commander should analyze are areas defined by political boundaries (e.g., districts
within a city and municipalities within a region); areas that have historical or cultural
significance (e.g., ancestral lands, burial grounds, archeological sites and settlements, and
hunting, gathering, or grazing areas of settled or nomadic people); locations of government
centers; social, political, religious, or criminal enclaves; agricultural and mining regions;
economic and industrial zones; ethnic fault lines; trade routes; and possible sites for the
temporary settlement of DCs or other civil functions. Failure to consider key civilian areas
can seriously affect the success of any military mission.
(b) Structures. Existing structures take on many significant roles. Bridges,
communications towers, power plants, and dams are often considered high-value targets.
Others, such as churches, mosques, national libraries, and archeological structures, are
cultural sites that are generally protected by international law or other agreements.
Hospitals are given special protection under international law. Other facilities with
practical applications, such as jails, warehouses, schools, television and radio stations, and
print plants, may be useful for military purposes. Analyzing structures involves
determining the location, functions, capabilities, application, and consequences of
supporting military operations. Using a structure for military purposes often competes with
civilian requirements for the same structure and requires careful consideration.
Additionally, if exigent military operations require decisions whether or not to destroy
specific structures, consideration must balance the short- and long-term effects of such
actions and be in accordance with the law of war.
(c) Capabilities. Capabilities can be analyzed from different perspectives.
The analyst views capabilities in priority from the perspective of those required to save,
sustain, or enhance life. Capabilities can refer to the ability of local authorities—be they
HNs or FNs, aggressor nations, or some other bodies—to provide key functions or services
to a populace (e.g., public administration, public safety, emergency services, food, water,
agriculture, and environmental security). Capabilities include those areas with which the
populace needs assistance in revitalizing after combat operations (e.g., public works and
utilities, public health, economics, and commerce). Capabilities also refer to resources and
services that can be contracted to support the military mission (e.g., interpreters, laundry
services, and construction materials and equipment). The HN or other nations may provide
these resources and services.
(d) Organizations. These organizations are nonmilitary groups or
institutions that influence and interact within the OA. They generally have a hierarchical
structure, defined goals, established operations, fixed facilities or meeting places, and a
means of financial or logistic support. Some organizations may be indigenous to the area,
such as church groups, fraternal organizations, patriotic or service organizations, labor
unions, criminal organizations, and community watch groups. Other organizations may be
introduced to the area from external sources, such as multinational corporations,
interagency partners, international organizations, and NGOs.
1. The commander should be familiar with the organizations operating
within the OA (e.g., their activities, capabilities, and limitations). Additionally, the