DAFPD10-8 — Defense Support Of Civil Authorities (dsca)

DAFPD10-8 governs Department of the Air Force policy for planning, organizing, and training forces for Defense Support of Civil Authorities operations.

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  • Publication number: DAFPD10-8
  • Title: DEFENSE SUPPORT OF CIVIL AUTHORITIES (DSCA)
  • Date: 2022-09-13

View DAFPD10-8 on armypubs.army.mil


It defines Defense Support of Civil Authorities and distinguishes domestic support from support for foreign disasters. It requires standards, training, assessments, resource planning, reimbursement, and law enforcement support policy.

Topics covered

  • Defense Support of Civil Authorities
  • Domestic emergencies
  • Law enforcement support
  • Cyberspace incident response
  • Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer program
  • Disaster preparedness
  • Military preparedness

Questions and answers

What is Defense Support of Civil Authorities?

Defense Support of Civil Authorities is support provided by U.S. federal military forces, DoD civilians, DoD contract personnel, DoD Component assets, Civil Air Patrol (when performing Air Force-assigned missions in AF Auxiliary status), and National Guard forces (when the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the governors of the affected states, elects and requests to use those forces in Title 32, United States Code (USC), status) in response to a request for assistance from civil authorities for domestic emergencies, law enforcement support, cyberspace incident response, and other domestic activities or from qualifying entities for special events. (paragraph 1)

Does Defense Support of Civil Authorities cover foreign disasters?

Defense Support of Civil Authorities is not support provided in response to foreign disasters (e.g., foreign consequence management or foreign humanitarian assistance/disaster response). (paragraph 1)

What standards and resources must the Department of the Air Force establish for DSCA operations?

Establish measureable operational and enabling standards and requirements derived from warfighting capabilities in order to determine the equipment, training, manpower, and ancillary resources needed to conduct and sustain Defense Support of Civil Authorities planning activities and response operations. (paragraph 2)

How are DSCA-related inspections and assessments handled?

Ensure appropriate Department of the Air Force inspections and assessments include an evaluation of a unit’s compliance with Defense Support of Civil Authorities related policy, guidance, and instructions. (paragraph 2)

When can the Department of the Air Force obtain reimbursement for DSCA support?

Obtain reimbursement for support provided to civil authorities when authorized or mandated by Public Law (Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Title 42 USC Sections 5121-5207, or Economy Act, Title 31 USC Section 1535), Executive Order (Executive Order 12656, Assignment of Emergency Preparedness Responsibilities), and DoD policy in coordination with the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller (SAF/FM). (paragraph 2)

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