JP 3-28, page 137
Defense Support of Civil Authorities
Joint Publication: Defense Support of Civil Authorities
29 October 2018 public edition (Wayback JCS copy; S2 cited as JP 328 / JP 3-28 DSCA)
Searchable page text (OCR / PDF)
J-1
APPENDIX J
EXAMPLE PHASING OF DEFENSE SUPPORT OF CIVIL AUTHORITIES
DSCA is generally provided in the following phases: phase 1 pre-incident, (1a) normal
operations, (1b/1c) elevated/creditable threat (for a notice event), phase 2 response, (2a)
immediate response, (2b) deployment of resources and personnel, (2c) sustained response,
and phase 3 recovery and transition. These phases align with FEMA’s CONOPS and
deviate from the notional phasing construct. During planning, the JFC establishes
conditions, objectives, or events for transitioning from one phase to another. Phases are
designed to be conducted sequentially, but some activities may begin in a previous phase
and continue into subsequent phases. In many incidents, no clear transition exists from
one phase to the next, and phases may run concurrently. Additionally, during incidents
that affect multiple states and/or FEMA regions, different jurisdictions may transition
through the phases at various paces depending on the impact to the respective geographical
area. It is helpful for DOD to align DSCA phases to the phasing construct of the LFA.
The following example phases align with the FEMA phasing model:
1. Phase 1 (Pre-Incident)
Phase 1 is continuous situational awareness and preparedness. Actions in this phase
include interagency coordination, planning, identification of gaps, exercises, and public
affairs outreach. This phase sets the conditions for expanded interoperability and
cooperation with interagency partners.
a. Phase 1a (Normal Operations). During phase 1a, local civil authorities and state
and federal entities, including Title 10 and Title 32, USC, military personnel, determine
existing logistics and resource capabilities, develop plans and procedures, and conduct
training and exercises to validate existing plans. In addition, continuity operations and
planning need to be incorporated to facilitate the performance of response core capabilities
during all hazards emergencies or other situations that may disrupt normal operations.
Actions taken during phase 1a are focused on awareness and national preparedness goals:
prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover.
b. Phase 1b (Elevated Threat). During a notice incident, there may be an elevated
threat that allows for further coordination and planning. Plans should be revised based on
the current situation. Situational reports should be analyzed and addressed to plan for the
potential activation of federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial coordination structures,
including DCO/EPLOs. Additional stakeholders should be identified into planning efforts,
as appropriate.
c. Phase 1c (Credible Threat). During a notice incident, there may be a credible
threat that again allows for further assessment of the situation. Plans should continue to be
updated and revised. Additional stakeholders should be incorporated into planning efforts,
as appropriate. Pre-positioning other selected response forces to facilitate quicker response
after coordination with the LFA should also be considered.