JP 3-28, Civil Support - Federation of American Scientists

Department of Defense Operational Environment
(5) The JTF will usually exercise OPCON/tactical control of DOD forces attached in support
of the federal effort within the JOA.
(6) All classes of supply and all types of services may be required. Close coordination
between the JTF and ESF coordinator is required. Interface for coordination is through the DCO.
c. Defense Coordinating Officer. The DCO is the DOD single point of contact at the JFO.
RFAs are validated through the DCO and forwarded through designated DOD reporting chain.
(1) DCOs, assigned to ARNORTH, are permanently stationed in the ten FEMA regions, at
or near the FEMA RRCCs. Additional DCOs may be required for multiple JFOs.
(2) C2 of DCOs is directed by the supported CCDR in an EXORD for CS missions. They
may report directly to the supporting CCDR or to a TF/JTF.
(3) The DCO is supported by the DCE, an administrative and support staff consisting of five
permanently assigned personnel.
(4) Augmentation to DCE within a JFO is generally required from a defense coordinating
unit consisting of emergency preparedness liaison officers (EPLOs), specialty staff augmentees, and
additional personnel from the Services.
(5) A DCO can also have limited C2 of DOD forces that are operational in the JOA
for CS missions, based on the EXORD. A TF or JTF would likely be deployed for C2 of larger
numbers of DOD forces.
d. Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officers. EPLO positions are authorized in each FEMA
region and state (see Figure II-4). Regional EPLOs provide DOD liaison with FEMA regional
organizations and agencies; facilitate planning, coordination, and training for military support to civil
authorities and national security emergency preparedness; advise federal agencies and organizations on
DOD capabilities and resources; advocate mutual support required by DOD; and, on order, augment
DOD response for CS.
(1) They are administered by and report to program managers within their respective Services
who ensure EPLOs are trained, equipped, and maintain current proficiency on the NRP, NIMS, CS
procedures and readily available Service capabilities.
(2) They are activated and employed by their Services at the request of the supported CCDR.
They are trained in disaster preparedness and CS operations. EPLOs advise civil authorities on military
resources and capabilities and facilitate coordination between civil authorities and DOD during state or
federal exercises or CS operations.
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