JP 3-28, page 17

Executive Summary xv Direct Assistance to Civilian Law Enforcement Agencies There are several forms of direct assistance to civilian law enforcement by military personnel that are permitted under the Military Purpose Doctrine. The Military Purpose Doctrine provides that law enforcement actions that are performed primarily for a military purpose, even when incidentally assisting civil authorities, will not violate the PCA. The Military Purpose Doctrine requires a legitimate, independent military purpose for participating in law enforcement activities against civilians. Other Permissible Types of Military Support to Law Enforcement Agencies DOD Instruction 3025.21, Defense Support of Civilian Law Enforcement Agencies, allows the Military Departments and DOD agencies to provide training that is not “large scale or elaborate” and does not permit a direct or regular involvement of military personnel in activities that are traditionally civilian law enforcement operations. Law Enforcement Considerations Domestic law enforcement support requires expert legal advice to military leaders at every level. The command staff judge advocate should review plans and orders carefully. To avoid delays, proper preplanning is critical to mission support. Plans and orders should identify measures that require legal consultation, command approval, or both. Other Domestic Activities and Special Events There is a range of activities that do not fall into the category of response to a natural or man-made disaster or support to law enforcement, but still leverage DOD resources. Examples include the following activities: • National special security events, • Community support activities, • Sensitive support operations, • Military training exchanges, • Specialized support, • Support provided to the US Secret Service, • Civil Air Patrol/Air Force auxiliary support, • Incident awareness and assessment, • Civilian critical infrastructure protection, • Postal services, • Explosive ordnance disposal,