JP 3-28, page 23

I-1 CHAPTER I OVERVIEW 1. Introduction a. The Armed Forces of the United States and Department of Defense (DOD) agencies may be called upon for defense support of civil authorities (DSCA) to support a whole-of- government response. The Armed Forces of the United States have a historic and enduring role in supporting civil authorities during times of emergency, and this role is described in national defense strategy as a primary mission of DOD. b. The nature of DSCA in the US presents a unique challenge based on the history of the country and the interaction of the federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal governments and private and nonprofit organizations. These organizations establish the multiple layers and mutually reinforcing structures throughout the state, local, and tribal governments for interaction based on the US Constitution, as well as congressional legislation and established policy. c. The multitude of challenges across the strategic environment place a strong commitment on globally integrated operations and the need for DOD to partner with other nations and organizations for all types of missions. The DSCA mission is no different. DOD priorities, in order, are homeland defense (HD), force protection (FP), mission assurance, and DSCA response. It is imperative the DSCA mission is coordinated with potential lead federal agencies to ensure response capabilities are available in the event of a catastrophic disaster. Recent efforts, such as integrated planning between DOD and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), are key to ensuring capabilities are available for all DOD missions. Interagency planning has advanced over the past decade. Integrated planning improves the analytical rigor to make plans more operationally effective and executable for DSCA. d. Federal law, as codified in Title 10 and Title 32, United States Code (USC), creates distinct mechanisms for the Secretary of Defense (SecDef) and state authorities to call upon National Guard (NG) forces for resources. Federal forces, both active and reserve, may also be requested under Title 10, USC, authority. The National Guard Bureau (NGB) is a joint activity of DOD and provides a communication channel for NG to DOD to support unified action. NG forces operate under state active duty, Title 32, USC, or federal active duty, Title 10, USC, depending on activation status. NG forces perform DSCA missions only in a Title 32, USC, or Title 10, USC, duty status. “This government will learn the lessons of Hurricane Katrina. We are going to review every action and make necessary changes so that we are better prepared for any challenge of nature, or act of evil men, that could threaten our people.” President George W. Bush Jackson Square, New Orleans, Louisiana September 15, 2005