In View of Current and Future Fiscal Restraints and the Need for Efficiency and Joint Operations, What Is the Army's Primary Role in Defense Support to Civil Authorities During Homeland Disaster and Emergency Events

• Main Author: Oladipofaniyi, Ayokunle O
• Other Authors: ARMY COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLLEGE FORT LEAVENWORTH KS
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: Civil Defense; Military Operations; Strategy and Tactics; *ARMY OPERATIONS; *DISASTERS; *HOMELAND SECURITY; CRISIS MANAGEMENT; EMERGENCIES; EMPLOYMENT; HISTORY; HURRICANES; INTEROPERABILITY; LESSONS LEARNED; MILITARY ASSISTANCE; UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT; NORTHCOM
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA599125; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA599125

This research discusses the challenges of providing a timely distribution of supplies and support during disaster relief operations that lack designated national stakeholders and systems. Historical lessons learned from past disaster relief operations reveal that similar trends existed. The creation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM) were essential in driving towards a more responsive federal approach to disaster relief operations. The lessons learned from the catastrophic Hurricane Katrina gave rise to what we witness today as the improved interoperability between the key stakeholders in disaster relief operations. Although there is improved interoperability, the ability of FEMA and NORTHCOM to gain a common operating picture continues to hamper operations. As a result, this research recommends revisions of the federal disaster declaration process as it relates to the use of Title 10 forces; improvement to FEMA's current operating procedures; perfecting NORTHCOM's employment of its military assets; and developing better relations with other disaster relief stakeholders.