The Role of Military Forces in Disaster Response: Remove the Impediments
Abstract
Hurricane Katrina and the events that unfolded on 11 September 2001 continue to raise the issue of timely responses to disasters by the state and federal government. Two recent natural disasters -- the devastating tornadoes that struck multiple states in April 2011 and the recent earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan affirm that catastrophes strike unexpectedly and can quickly overwhelm the capabilities of local and state authorities to respond. Since 2005, Congress has passed and amended laws to improve the military's responsiveness to disasters, including better structures for command and control. However, some restrictions and command and control issues still impede defense support to civil authorities (DSCA). This SRP recommends two further changes that will facilitate better military responses to domestic crises: (1) amend the Posse Comitatus (PCA), and (2) allow federal forces to serve in a tactical control (TACON) relationship under the governor of a state while supporting civil support operations inside the United States.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 08, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA560882
Entities
People
- Michael Bentley
Organizations
- United States Army War College