3-55. The protection of civilians refers to efforts that reduce civilian risks from physical violence, protect civilian access to essential services and resources, and contribute to stabilizing conditions for civilians over the long-term. Protection of civilians is a moral, legal, and strategic priority during land operations. Communities throughout the world expect military personnel to protect local populations; failure to do so jeopardizes the credibility and legitimacy of an operation and can undermine other objectives. Protection of civilians is often important when Army units are involved in stability operations, peace operations, combat operations, or security cooperation during peacetime. In some operations such as counterinsurgencies, a population’s support may be the center of gravity or may be otherwise indispensable for mission accomplishment. In any military operation, the ultimate political objectives often include security, sustainable stability, and other conditions that support civilian well-being.