O190: Homeland Defense And DSCA Flashcards
Robert T. Stafford Act (1988)***
- primary legal authority for disaster assistance
- authorizes the President to issue major disaster declarations; authorizes federal agencies to provide assistance to states overwhelmed by disasters
- responsibility for administering delegating to FEMA by Executive Officer
- funds provided through the Disaster Relief Fund
Post-Katrina Reform Act (2006)
Made it so that the federal government can mobilize prior to an anticipated disaster (ie. looming hurricane) even if the Governor hasn’t asked for assistance or declared a state of emergency yet.
- allows for quicker response time
- established FEMA as a distinct entity within DHS and the primary advisor to the President for all matters relating to emergency management
National Response Framework (2008)
National plan for how to respond to natural disasters and terrorist attacks
- responsibilities fall on state and local government, followed by national government
- structured to help communities develop disaster response plans
Post-Katrina Reform Act (2006)
Allowed president to call a state of emergency prior to an official request from the state
Disaster Recovery Response Act (2018)
Established federal emergency policy into what we know today
- proactive approach
- reduces FEMA’s complexity
- landmark law that highlight’s federal commitment to supporting local/state efforts
- mitigation measures relating to funding
What is homeland defense?
Protection of the US sovereignty, territory, domestic population, and critical infrastructure against EXTERNAL threats and aggression or other threats as directed by the President.
-DoD is the lead agency
What is DSCA?
Support provided by U.S. Federal military forces, DoD civilians, contractors, component assets, and NG forces IN RESPONSE TO REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE from civil authorities for domestic emergencies, law enforcement support, and other domestic activities or from qualifying entities for special events.
DSCA Core Tasks
Provide support for:
1) domestic disasters
2) domestic civilian law enforcement
3) domestic CBRN incidents
4) other designated domestic support (ie. National special security events, wildfire response, critical infrastructure protection, and augmentation of federal agencies)
Mission of USNORTHCOM
Anticipate and conduct homeland defense and DSCA operations within the assigned area of responsibility to defend, protect, and secure the US and its interests
DCO =
Defense coordinating officer
Serves as POC for domestic emergencies under FEMA. There is a DCO assigned to one of 10 FEMA regions.
-Typically an O-6.
CDRs may respond to a DSCA scenario in 2 ways:
1) Authority
-used in imminently serious conditions when time does not permit from higher HQ
-local military CDRs to take action to save lives, prevent human suffering, or mitigate great property damage
2)
72 hour guideline**
After the first 72 hours in a disaster, guidance from higher HQ is highly encouraged prior to obligating additional support and funds
5 types of presidential declarations/actions
1) major disaster (issued by request of Governor)
2) emergency (may be issued w/o Governor request - if primary responsibility rests w/ the federal govt)
3) fire suppression
4) defense emergency (limited to emergency work to preserve life and property)
5) pre-declaration activities (preparedness and preliminary damage assessments, coordination, employee alerts)
The Posse Comitatus Act
Prohibits use of federal troops (Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marines) for law enforcement
The Insurrection Act
Enacted as an exception to the Posse Comitatus Act
- allows the President to use US military personnel at the request of a state legislature or governor to suppress insurrections
- allows the President to use federal troops to enforce federal laws when rebellion against the authority of the US makes it impractical to enforce US laws
