FM 3-34.22 - Army Electronic Publications & Forms - U.S. Army

Figure 7-1. Civil support framework
Stability and Civil Support Operations
7-44. The Army supports civil authorities during civil support operations in a unity of effort. Most
disasters are handled at the state level and below. The Army may be under immediate response authority or
ordered by their respective chains of command at the local through state level. Federal resources are
committed when requested by the state in need. A civilian federal agency may be placed in charge of a
disaster response if the state government is overwhelmed or the incident triggering the disaster is an
incident of national significance. Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives
(CBRNE) assets may be required for disaster response. It is important for commanders and staffs to know
the proponent and its responsibilities. Initial coordination and training with these agencies facilitates the
planning process; however, there is usually little time to prepare for civil support operations. To be
prepared for such civil support operations, it is essential for commanders to have contingency plans
developed and units identified
7-45. Army forces conduct civil support operations as part of HLS within the United States and its
territories. HLS provides the nation with strategic flexibility by protecting its citizens, critical assets, and
infrastructure from conventional and unconventional threats. It includes the three missions of homeland
defense (HLD), civil support, and emergency preparedness planning. Unless the nation is attacked, Army
forces conduct civil support operations exclusive of the offense and defense. If the United States comes
under direct attack or is threatened by hostile armed forces, Army forces under joint command conduct
offensive and defensive operations against the enemy, while simultaneously providing civil support to
federal authorities. A defensive task routinely conducted in HLD missions is protecting critical assets and
key infrastructure during crises. The ability to conduct offensive operations, though maintained primarily
as a potential, is also present. That potential, simultaneously employed with defensive and civil support
operations, complements the execution of domestic support tasks. Similarly, effective and efficient civil
support operations reduce the need to conduct offensive or defensive operations to quell civil unrest or
protect infrastructure. Discipline, endurance, and unit cohesion developed during training prepare Soldiers
and units to deal effectively with the ambiguities and complexities of executing civil support operations.
BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM
7-46. Although not the norm, the BCT could be deployed into an area in support of civilian agencies to
provide essential services, assets, or specialized resources to help civil authorities deal with situations
beyond their capabilities. The BCT has a functional chain of command, reliable communications, and welltrained
and equipped forces that can operate and sustain themselves in an austere environment with organic
or attached assets. In civil support operations, the adversary is often disease, hunger, or consequences of
disaster. Companies and battalions from the BCT can expect to participate in civil support operations with
or without other units from time to time.
11 February 2009 FM 3-34.22 7-11