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abstract:In a rapidly evolving strategic environment, incorporating cultural property protection (CPP) into military plans and operations can enable the U.S. Army to achieve its objectives by demonstrating to allies, partners, and adversaries alike that safeguarding irreplaceable treasures aids conflict prevention and resolution. Planning for the protection of cultural property in military operations is both practical and effective. It can provide an outsized return on investment with affected populations and often contributes directly to the cessation of hostilities and facilitation of long-term stabilization. A vision for a future CPP program within the U.S. Department of Defense might focus on four aspects: professional military education, the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to build CPP databases to inform military decision-making, predeployment training, and appreciation and respect for other cultures. Through its deliberate consideration in military operations, CPP can contribute to advancing U.S. national security interests by supporting applicable international laws and norms and preserving cultural artifacts in a dignified manner.