The 353rd Civil Affairs Command is an Army Reserve organization headquartered at Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island, New York. Its Soldiers bring military experience and civilian expertise to civil-military operations, helping commanders understand the communities and institutions affected by military activity.
Origins and Service
The command's history reaches back to 1952. Its changing designations reflect the development of Army Civil Affairs during the Cold War: the distinctive unit insignia was approved for the 353rd Civil Affairs Area (A) in 1970 and redesignated for the Civil Affairs Command in 1976.
An Army Reserve historical account identifies service in Operation Just Cause, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. The command's record also includes assistance to Cuban refugees during the Mariel Boatlift, humanitarian work in Africa, and support to peace implementation in the former Yugoslavia. These missions placed Civil Affairs personnel at the intersection of military operations and civilian life.
Organization and Mission
The command organizes, trains, and equips Civil Affairs forces for deployment. Its published mission emphasizes support to U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command. That geographic focus is not a numerical allocation of its personnel or workload.
In October 2023, the 353rd assumed mission command of the 2nd Psychological Operations Group. Army reporting explains that the group retained its own mission while receiving administrative support and closer coordination from the command. Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations remained distinct specialties.
Identity
The command's insignia carries “Order, Government, Freedom.” Its scroll, sword, globe, and human figure express the organization's civil-military responsibilities. The 353rd Civil Affairs Command is separate from the historical 353rd Psychological Operations Battalion; their shared number does not establish shared lineage.
Historical Sources
- 353 CACOM About Us. U.S. Army Reserve. Headquarters, mission, current command context, and insignia history.
- 353rd CACOM expands capabilities to include psychological operations. U.S. Army Reserve, October 20, 2023. 1952 origins, selected missions, and the 2023 relationship with 2nd POG.
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