DOD’s role in Defense Support of Civil Authorities
The U.S. Department of Defense is a government agency that is the government’s executive arm and is responsible for coordinating, monitoring, and executing functions related to U.S. national security. In other words, the Department of Defense is responsible for ensuring the country’s political and territorial security and coordinating political decisions, and managing all government agencies. At the same time, civilian power is a tool for harnessing the people’s power through the state apparatus, except the country’s military might. As a rule, civil power is exercised through the police.
Defense support to civil authorities is provided in the event of a request from the state apparatus to introduce federal armed forces in case of emergency or to support the authorities in attempts of military conflicts. On the one hand, civilian control over the army is defined as a complex and continuous social process of determining the Armed Forces’ place and role in a democratic society. On the other hand, civilian control of the army implies considering the problems of the nature and forms of interaction between civil society and the rule of law state as a whole, and federal and local authorities. At the same time, this mechanism reinforces the armed forces’ inability to participate in civil law enforcement activities. Among other things, Directive 5525.5, signed by the U.S. Secretary of Defense, prohibits direct participation of military personnel in police raids, searches, or arrests until the government sends a request.
Examples of defensive support to civil authority include emergencies in cities, villages, and other localities. While a natural disaster threatens citizens’ lives and health, such as an earthquake, flood, or hurricane, U.S. defense forces are deployed to evacuate and provide assistance. When necessary, military personnel provide individual and collective protection, shelter, and meals until a leadership request for a cessation of support activities is made.
Four Decisive Actions
Decisive actions are the Forces’ measures to provide security for the population and the U.S. government forces. Such actions consist of four elements and are implemented when the nation’s existence is threatened. Critical actions include Defense, Offense, Stability, and Defense Support for Civilian Authority.
All of the above elements are designed to accomplish the three core tasks — area and mobile defense, and retrograde. An Offensive defensive action is more aggressive and aims to defeat the enemy — it is characterized by surprise, concentration, and audacity. Defensive measures aim to deter the offender’s attack, retain critical territories, and protect the population and infrastructure such as roads and communications. At the same time, Defensive actions are characterized by preparation, massing effects, security, disruption, and flexibility. Stability is aimed at preserving the terrain or relief of the combat area. As a rule, such operations are not linear and dynamic, and they require more time and resources. Finally, Defense Support is defined by federal laws’ control, subordination to civilian authorities, withdrawal when necessary, and declaration of support costs.
For example, Offensive measures are carried out in open armed conflict, including civil war, when necessary to move the front line away from essential infrastructures. At the same time, a Defensive measure can be mobilized to infiltrate foreign armed forces into U.S. territory — for example, the entry of a squadron of destroyers into American water areas. An example of Stability is providing support and assistance to partners involved in combat operations, with subsequent encouragement. Finally, defensive support is relevant when public health is threatened by emergencies such as natural disasters.