Interagency Coordination between FEMA, USNORTHCOM, and USTRANSCOM during a Hurricane Response
Abstract
There are many organizations involved that take predictive and reactive actions when destructive weather systems are projected toward the United States. Three of those organizations, the Federal Emergency Agency (FEMA), United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), and United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) are critical in spearheading coordination and requirements to ensure the Global Air Mobility Support Systems (GAMSS) and support airlift are used effectively and efficiently. The 2017 hurricane season especially stressed the coordination and capabilities among these agencies and tested their response when multiple hurricanes barreled toward and through the United States. Dynamic communications required during these Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) events is well-intentioned and often successful. However, due to software limitations, verbal/telephone workarounds have become normalized, which can lead to miscommunications and redundant efforts. This paper explores the relationship and the communications procedures among these three agencies to determine areas for improvement. This research project uses a semi-structured interview process to collect qualitative data. Subsequently, a thematic analysis was conducted on the collected interview data to determine trends that led to recommendations for action. Solutions included recommendations to improve situational awareness when operating using the Total Force Enterprise (TFE), and methods to overcome software limitations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 14, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1079712
Entities
People
- Daniel P. Diemer
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology