Author Description

One of the fundamental roles of all levels government is to respond to domestic emergencies to save lives, protect property, and promote public health and safety. USACE provides vital assistance to the nation during disasters. The disaster response and recovery process is complex and dynamic, often requiring USACE to assume a multifunctional role. Within this system USACE acts in support of the Stafford Act providing assistance to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the areas of public works and engineering ' Emergency Support Function #3 (ESF #3). In the role of Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA), under the authority of the Stafford Act, USACE also supports U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) with augmentation of Title 10 forces. This monograph defines and examines these roles, identifying the current issues - inefficiencies and points of tension that inhibit USACE in response to domestic incidents in the ESF #3 and DSCA roles - and offer potential solutions to increase the effectiveness of USACE in response to domestic incidents.