97th Civil Affairs Battalion

• Special Operations Civil Affairs: The 97th Civil Affairs Battalion is one of only a few active-duty Civil Affairs units assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, specializing in operations with Special Forces. • Pacific Focus: The battalion is aligned with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), focusing its civil-military operations across the Asia-Pacific region. • Lineage to World War II: The original 97th Military Government Group, its predecessor, was activated in 1945 and deployed to Japan as part of the post-World War II occupation forces. • Reactivation: The current 97th Civil Affairs Battalion was reactivated on March 16, 2007, at Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty), North Carolina, as part of the expansion of Army special operations. • Highly Selective Training: Soldiers in the 97th undergo rigorous Civil Affairs Assessment and Selection (CAAS) and the Civil Affairs Qualification Course (CAQC), making them among the most highly trained civil-military operators. • Language and Cultural Expertise: Members often receive training in Asian languages and cultures to better engage with local populations and leaders throughout the Indo-Pacific. • Disaster Response: The battalion has participated in major humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, including responses to typhoons and earthquakes in the Pacific region. • Village Stability Operations: 97th Civil Affairs teams have supported Special Forces in village stability operations, working directly with local leaders to improve governance and resilience against insurgency. • Quiet Professionals: As part of Army Special Operations, Civil Affairs soldiers of the 97th often operate in small teams, working discreetly to shape environments and build partnerships. • Motto and Insignia: The battalion’s motto is “Advise, Support, Stabilize,” and its distinctive unit insignia features a globe and torch, symbolizing worldwide operations and enlightenment through civil-military engagement.