Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization

The Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization (S/CRS) is a United States Department of State Office that coordinates United States' governmental reconstruction and stabilization efforts in developing countries before, during, and after armed conflict.

On November 22, 2011, the Department of State announced the creation of the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, with which the Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization will be integrated.

The Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization was created to handle issues relating to conflict. The office is responsible for coordinating federal government efforts relating to countries at risk of or in conflict, a core competency of the Department of State but not a competency recognized through the institutionalization of a dedicated office within the department. In 2004 the office was created in response to experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan and lessons learned demonstrating the need for improved coordination between civilian organizations and the military.

The President signed NSPD-44 in Dec. 2005 to outline responsibilities of the office. Title XVI of Public Law 110-417, The Reconstruction and Stabilization Civilian Management Act of 2008, codified these responsibilities and authorized the creation of a Civilian Response Corps. The current Coordinator is Robert Geers Loftis, and in his capacity reports directly to the Secretary of State. In addition to 2004 legislation the Department of Defense issued its own directive, 3000.05, establishing the importance of civilian operations through policy which was given similar priority to combat operations.

S/CRS was designed to lead, coordinate and institutionalize U.S. government civilian capacity to prevent or prepare for post-conflict situations, and to help stabilize and reconstruct societies in transition from conflict or civil strife, so they can reach a sustainable path toward peace, democracy and a market economy.

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