FM-3-81 Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Download
Page 132 of 188
Appendix B B-8 FM 3-81 09 November 2021 B-40. The Joint Director of Military Support in the operations directorate of a joint staff (J-3) serves as the action agent for the Assistant Secretary of Defense–Homeland Defense and America’s Security Affairs who has the executive agent responsibility delegated by the Secretary of Defense. The Joint Director of Military Support plans for and coordinates the DOD civil support mission and is the primary DOD contact for all federal departments and agencies during DOD involvement in most domestic operations. B-41. If DSCA is provided concurrently with homeland defense, the MEB must be prepared to transition to support the offensive and defensive operations of other military forces. Preparation B-42. The MEB preparation for disaster response depends on the priority of other missions. If the MEB is a 10 USC unit, mission priorities may dictate minimal planning and preparation for DSCA operations. On the other hand, a 22 USC MEB may have enough time to plan and prepare for DSCA with other civil and military organizations. B-43. Preparation implements approved plans and relevant agreements to increase readiness through a variety of tasks. Such tasks may include, but are not limited to— Developing standing operating procedures and tactics, techniques, and procedures with expected supported and supporting elements. Task-organizing to fill gaps in duties and responsibilities. Training personnel and leaders on nonmilitary terminology and procedures used for DSCA (such as the incident command system). Obtaining (through training) the proper credentials for key personnel. Exercising and refining plans with military and civilian counterparts. Obtaining the proper equipment to provide the required capability. Developing, requesting, and maintaining logistics packages for follow-on resupply and maintenance of all classes of supplies in support of extended operations. Preparing and maintaining Soldier readiness for all personnel to ensure that they are up to date. Ensuring that communications equipment, communications security, and controlled cryptographic items are serviceable and ready to deploy. Response B-44. As part of a response, the MEB subordinate units and/or liaison teams enter the affected area and make contact with relief organizations. They relay pertinent information about the effort of these organizations up through their military chain of command. The military chain of command relays this information to the lead civil authority. Planning for the operation, staging command post into the area, establishing security, deploying MEB subordinate units, and initiating contact with supported activities and other parts of the relief force occur during this phase of operations. B-45. The commander considers leading with liaison teams and urgent relief assets, such as debris clearance, law enforcement, search and rescue, food, and water. The command and control system of the lead unit gives the MEB units robust early ability to communicate and coordinate with each other and that organization with which the command and control information systems are compatible. Further, the ability to reconnoiter and gather information makes MEB units useful in the initial efforts by civil and other authorities to establish situational awareness, control the area, and oversee critical actions. Recovery B-46. Once DSCA is underway, recovery begins. With initial working relationships between all organizations in place, the MEB maintains steady progress in relieving the situation throughout this phase of operations. The MEB work includes coordination with its higher headquarters, supported groups, and other relief forces and the daily allocation of its own assets to recovery tasks. B-47. The MEB task organization is likely to change periodically as the need for particular services and support changes. Security, maintenance, the effective employment of resources, and Soldier support all need