Stand-To!- Defense Support of Civil Authorities - May 13, 2008

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Edition: Tue, May 13, 2008
Rich-text Version
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

"These Soldiers are out here watching the entrance to our neighborhood, making sure no one comes in that doesn't live here. I can't even say how much I appreciate their presence."

- A tornado victim, speaking about the presence of Missouri National Guard Soldiers

Missouri Guard Soldiers aid tornado victims

TODAY'S FOCUS

Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA)

What is it?

The Army provides support to civil authorities as directed by the secretary of defense. DSCA includes activities of all Department of Defense components that provide military support to the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and U.S. territories and possessions in response to requests for assistance during domestic incidents including terrorist threats or attacks, major disasters and other emergencies.

What has the Army done?

In preparation for the 2008 hurricane season, the Army worked to identify units and equipment to ensure appropriate response readiness in the event of a DSCA mission. United States Army North's 10 defense coordinating officers and elements (DCO/E) serve as DOD first responders to a natural or man-made disaster. The Army maintains a permanently assigned DCO/E in each Federal Emergency Management Agency region to plan, coordinate and integrate DSCA with local, state, tribal and federal agencies. During 2007-2008, DCO/E teams deployed throughout the United States to support disaster response efforts including severe weather in Eagle Pass, Texas, and Greensburg, Kan.; flooding from Tropical Storm Erin, Hurricane Dean and Tropical Depression 10; southern California wildfires; and the Minneapolis bridge collapse.

In addition, the president authorized the secretary of defense to provide DOD capabilities, primarily state National Guard, to support the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Under Operation Jump Start,approximately 2,500 National Guard Soldiers currently assist the U.S. Border Patrol in this crucial homeland defense mission across four Southwest border states (California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas).

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?

Providing timely and appropriate response to an incident remains one of the Army's key operational concepts. The Army has begun producing a yearly standing DSCA execute order to cover natural and man-made disasters. The Army has identified organizations to provide support outlined in the order.

Why is this important to the Army?

Army DSCA contributes to national security and to relief efforts supporting president-declared disasters. Supporting civil authorities enhances working relationships and mutual support between the Army and tribal, local, state and federal agencies.



INFORMATION YOU CAN USE

2008 Strategic Communication Guide - Read the 2008 Army Strategic Communication Guide for key messages and updates

Strategic Communication Coordination Group (SCCG) Workspace

Army Public Affairs Portal

Stories of Valor
A CULTURE OF ENGAGEMENT

The Army Community Relations Calendar

Bloggers Roundtable

U.S. Soldier finds meaning in helping Iraqi girl

Missouri Guard Soldiers aid tornado victims


CALENDAR

May- July 4, 2008: Season of Remembrance

May 2008: Asian - Pacific Heritage Month

Saturday, June 14, 2008: The U.S. Army Birthday Ball

NEWS ABOUT THE ARMY

• Wounded gain work experience in 'warrior internship network' (ARNews)
• Guard answers calls in storm-battered states (ARNews)
• 'Stop-lossing' Capt. Rawlings (NPR)
• Army Corps says condition of many levees a mystery (Examiner)
• TACOM LCMC team accepts challenge, writes foreign weapon repair manual (ARNews)

WAR ON TERROR NEWS

• Missile is fired at copter over Baghdad, U.S. says (NYT)
• Attacks persist despite cease-fire (WT)
• Opinion: The right path with N. Korea (WP)
• Colonel describes progress with Afghan army, police (AFIS)

OF INTEREST

• Tillman mom: Account of death may not be true (AT)
• Wars contribute to surge in per capita income (FO)
• Dolls deploy to help troops (ST)
• First of three planned U.S. relief flights brings aid to Burma (ARNews)
• American admiral takes plea to Burma (WP)

WORLD VIEW

• UN leader tells Myanmar to hurry on aid (IHT | Story)
• Search for China quake survivors (BBC | Story)
• Iran says mosque bombers confess to U.S. training (AA | Story)
• Fresh battles rock north Lebanon (AJ | Story)
• Bush warns Syria, Iran over Lebanon violence (AA | Story)
• Audio: Bush speaks to BBC Arabic TV (BBC | Story)

WHAT'S BEING SAID IN BLOGS

• Is stalemate an option? (WPR)
• Inspiring wounded warriors to excel (SM)
• Invade Burma? (Rofasix)
• Happy Mother's Day! (ABW)
• "We were here" (SBZ)
• Behind the bus (N2G)