Defense Support of Civil Authorities

The US military has personnel, supplies and equipment that may be used in the event of a domestic emergency, including floods, hurricanes, riots, wildfires, and more.

Service members may be utilized after local authorities have exhausted their resources. Military support is usually designed to supplement and not replace the civilian effort.

Normally, the governor will activate the National Guard in a state active duty status, rather than a Title 32 status, and missions are accomplished in accordance with state constitutional and statutory authority.

Although the Posse Comitatus Act prohibits the use of the military members in Title 10 status for law enforcement activities, National Guard troops in Title 32 status may perform law enforcement activities consistent with state law.