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[mccreight]

Requesting more in depth analysis of homeland defense capabilities along a continuum of CBNRN and infrastructure destruction scenarios which outline how DHS and DoD will align their respective resources in a major catastrophe where complexities of unified command structure are expected. Also favor serious discussion of senior level games and simulations to explore each discrete scenario in depth and assess interagency responses beyond the conventional ESF litany of functions.

[SREDIFER]

As a former CO of a unit dedicated to the DSCA mission, I think this may be more well refined than it seems. In CONUS, USNORTHCOM is the supported COCOM, with at least one standing JTF HQ (Joint Task Force Civil Support) in existence and on alert; so, I think those lines are fairly clear. JTF-CS exercises the Defense Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Response Force (DCRF) regularly, using classroom training, “boots on the ground,” and simulation.

The trick is often getting the first responder/on scene commander/local agencies to recognize the scope of the problem, know DoD capability sets, and know how to seek federal assistance. It can become a game of “what do you need?” and “what have you got?” That said, I have trained with several major cities (NYC, Virginia Beach, DC) and those entities have well rehearsed plans, often on the shelf, in their respective EOCs, often with requests for Federal support pre-scripted.

I would expect that, as necessary, the local govt would go to state, and the state would go to Federal, which would be DHS and most likely DHS/FEMA. The FEMA regions are well rehearsed with liaisons to the DOD, and they would craft requests for support that would go to DoD for analysis – each FEMA Region has a Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO) who serves as the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s single point of contact for Department of Defense support. In the case of major disasters/attacks, USNORTHCOM already has standing plans that would be executed in support of the lead federal agency if specific triggers were tripped. USNORTHCOM is attuned to its role in support of the lead federal agency (e.g. DHS) and is prepared to support as needed; for example, it sent the commander of its Joint Force Land Component Command to serve as the Defense Department’s primary liaison to the Federal Emergency Management Agency during hurricane response efforts in Puerto Rico as the mission transitioned from a sea-based to a land-based operation.

The unified command piece – only as it applies to Title 10 and Title 32 forces working together – can require a little coordination, but the designation of a dual status commander can often offset that.

Finally, money and who pays for what will always be something to think about.

[Author]

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