AFI 10-2701 - Air Force E-Publishing

16 AFI10-2701 29 JULY 2005
2.4.2. Command and Control. While performing AFAMs, the Air Force will maintain control over
CAP directly, through the Air Component Commander or through the requesting Air Force organization,
as determined by the Air Force.
2.4.3. Media Releases. The commander utilizing the services of CAP is responsible for releasing
information to the news media, if appropriate. AU/PA must coordinate on all CAP media releases
involving AFAMs.
2.4.4. Accident/Incident Reporting. The commander utilizing the services of CAP must immediately
report any CAP accident or incident to CAP-USAF/SE. When required, the CAP-USAF/CC will
submit an OPREP-3 (operational report) IAW paragraph 2.9. of this Instruction.
2.5. AFAM Coordination and Approval. Table 2.1. of this Instruction sets forth the coordination process
and approval authorities for AFAMs.
2.5.1. Risk Analysis. Mission approval authorities will consider the risks associated with assigning a
specific mission to a civilian volunteer organization. Operational Risk Management (ORM) techniques
may be utilized to determine and minimize this risk as needed.
2.5.2. Civil Support Approval Process. Given the exigent circumstances that typically give rise to
requests for military support to civil authorities, and the unique capabilities and status of the Civil Air
Patrol, mission approval authorities must be aware that DoD policies that govern coordination and
approval of requests for support to civil authorities do not typically apply. In general, mission
approval authorities must ensure that CAP missions supporting State/local agencies or NGOs as
AFAMs must demonstrate a “federal interest” in the activity. For example, a State agency may sponsor
an exercise that requests CAP support reconnaissance of critical infrastructure such as a key power
generating facility. This would clearly be of “federal interest” and eligible for AFAM status. Conversely,
State requests for routine support such as agriculture or wildlife surveys would usually not
rise to the level of “federal interest.” The SECAF, or the designee, may respond directly to civil-support
requests, including those involving counter-drug activities, using the services of CAP, subject to
the following restrictions:
2.5.2.1. The Air Component Commander will inform the responsible Combatant Commander
about the number and type of CAP missions approved in their area of responsibility.
2.5.2.2. In the event that the responsible Combatant Commander is exercising operational or tactical
control over DoD missions in the operational area, the Air Component Commander will
approve and exercise control over CAP civil support missions.
2.5.2.3. The Air Force will refer all requests for CAP support to the Joint Director of Military
Support (JDOMS) when such requests either appear to be more appropriate for other DoD components
or require the use of other Air Force resources.
2.5.2.4. The Air Force may enter into Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with other agencies
in order to facilitate civil support requests. Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Homeland
Defense – Civil Support (OASD (HD)-CS ) will coordinate on all civil support MOUs
involving the use of CAP. This coordination will be considered “tasking from higher authority”
with regard to CAP instrumentality status.
2.6. Economy Act. Typically, any Federal Agency requesting assistance from the Air Force must certify
that its request comports with the Economy Act, 31 USC §1535. The appropriate Air Force mission