Assessment of Local, State and Federal Request Processes for Defense Support by Civil Authorities in the United States

Abstract

Highly destructive man-made and natural disasters during the first years of the 21st century have brought under scrutiny the Federal government's involvement in post-disaster operations. A number of Federal agencies are mandated to assist civil authorities with preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters. As a department with access to unique capabilities and tremendous manpower resources, the Department of Defense has played a key role in such operations. The exact role of the Defense Department, however, remains misunderstood by a number of key individuals and organizations. This research project investigated the various processes available to either Local, State or Federal authorities to request Department of Defense involvement. A number of critical factors must be considered by Federal, State and Local officials prior to either requesting or authorizing such involvement, as the use and activities of Federal military forces within the continental United States are carefully regimented. This project examined United States codes, as well as the Federal regulations and mandates governing military forces, in order to assess the processes that determine the nature and extent of Department of Defense involvement in post-disaster operations.