Methods to Enhance Domestic Response to Large-Scale, Complex, and Catastrophic Disasters

Department of Defense (2023)

This report: (1) describes the current policy and processes through which governors can request activation of the National Guard under Title 32, “as part of the response to large scale, complex, catastrophic disasters that are supported by the Federal Government”; (2) presents the Department of Defense’s (DOD) assessment of current authorities for reimbursing National Guard and Reserve manpower during large-scale, complex, catastrophic disasters under Title 10 and Title 32; and (3) outlines DOD’s plan to ensure parallel and consistent policy in the application of Section 12304a of Title 10 and Section 502(f) of Title 32. It also includes a response by the Council of Governors, which expresses concerns about the lack of prior coordination with the Council on matters of policy.