In Support of the Common Domestic Defense: Unity of Command between Federal and State Controlled Military Forces
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to address the complex nature of Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA). Given the implementation of the National Response Plan (NRP) and the rising importance of homeland security tasks, the Department of Defense (DoD) is continuing to formalize relationships with other departments in the Federal Government and operate more efficiently in the interagency environment. During domestic events, it is imperative to establish unity of command and unity of effort within the DoD response to provide the Lead Federal Agency (LFA) with effective and appropriate levels of support. Improvements in the following areas could enhance DoD command and control effectiveness during defense support to civil authorities: (1) better integration between existing state National Guard (NG) and Active Component (AC) command and control systems, (2) development of an aggressive NRP and National Incident Management System (NIMS) education program within units stationed in USNORTHCOM and USPACOM areas of operation (AOR), (3) development of a domestic exercises branch by USNORTHCOM to provide exercise support across the interagency arena for DoD support to the LFA, and (4) development of an aggressive public information response cell to assist the LFA during the initial phases of federal support.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 13, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA463544
Entities
People
- Jason T. Garkey
Organizations
- Naval War College