JP 3-28, page 138

Appendix J J-2 JP 3-28 Note that because phases 1b and 1c may not occur (i.e., a no-notice incident), there should not be any specific tasks assigned within phases 1b or 1c. 2. Phase 2 (Response) Response begins when DOD receives, or expects to receive, an RFA from an LFA for DOD support, or the President or SecDef direct support in a federal response to a disaster or emergency in support of a state or tribal government(s) or to support another USG department or agency for specifically authorized events. Phase 2 ends when the situation is stabilized to the point where DOD support is no longer required to support life-saving and life-sustaining activities. The following sub-phases of response assist with prioritizing and organizing activities: initial response, deployment of resources and personnel, and sustained response operations. a. Phase 2a (Initial Response). Phase 2a begins when DOD receives, or expects to receive, an RFA from an LFA for DOD support or the President or SecDef direct support in a federal response to a disaster or emergency in support of a state or tribal government(s) or to support another federal agency for specifically authorized events. Key activities during this phase are activation of emergency management structures, assessment of the situation, and the movement of pre-planned DOD resources. Local commanders may also exercise immediate response authority during this phase upon request from an appropriate civil authority. DSCA is based on RFAs, which will be made at different times and for missions that will be completed at different times. Consequently, forces will likely deploy into and out of the affected area throughout the duration of the civil emergency or period of rendered support. b. Phase 2b (Deployment of Resources and Personnel). Phase 2b begins when life- saving operations have started in the impacted area and federal resources begin JRSOI at intermediate staging bases. Key activities during this phase are to: locate the affected population, evacuation, and provide life-sustaining support services; stabilize the situation to the point at which communications and channels connecting responders and the public are in place and operational; characterize the incident and deploying federal resources; and initiate individual and public assistance programs. Phase 2b success is achieved when forces are deployed with sufficient capability to support civil authorities. c. Phase 2c (Sustained Response). Phase 2c begins when all survivors, having been evacuated, are being sustained through mass-care and recovery efforts. SAR operations have transitioned to the search for and the recovery of human remains. Phase 2c ends when survivors have been sheltered or given the approval to return home; wherever possible, the restoration of critical infrastructure and key resources and essential services has been completed; and senior leaders have made preliminary decisions about the initial recovery plan for the impacted area. 3. Phase 3 (Recovery and Transition) Phase 3 begins when the life-saving and life-sustaining activities for the affected population have been stabilized to the point where local, state, and federal resources are