Civil Support: DOD Is Taking Action to Strengthen Support of Civil Authorities
Abstract
Threats to the homeland and major disasters and emergencies, such as hurricanes and wildfires, are frequently unpredictable or occur with little or no notice. DOD is often expected to play a prominent role supporting civil authorities and must be prepared to provide rapid response when called upon during disasters and declared emergencies (both natural and manmade). DOD also must provide support for restoring public health and services and civil order; support for national special security events; and periodic planned support. DOD provides this support to the American people through its defense support of civil authorities mission. In this statement, GAO describes progress DOD has made in implementing recommendations to strengthen (1) DOD s strategy, plans, and guidance; (2) interagency coordination; and, (3) capabilities to support civil authorities. This testimony is primarily based on GAO products issued from March 2010 through December 2014 that examined DOD s support of civil authorities mission. In June 2015 GAO obtained selected updates about DOD s support of civil authorities mission. GAO previously made recommendations to help DOD address management challenges or gaps in guidance regarding support of civil authorities. In response, the agency has taken some steps and plans to do more.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 10, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA620189
Entities
People
- Joseph W. Kirschbaum
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office