ADP 3-28 — Defense Support of Civil Authorities
Army Doctrine Publication 3-28 defines how Army forces support civil authorities during domestic emergencies — from natural disasters to civil disturbances — while operating within the legal and constitutional limits that govern military action on U.S. soil.
Current edition: 14 October 2019
Questions are based on this version. If your copy shows a newer date, let us know — we'll update the question bank.
DSCA definition and primary purpose (save lives/alleviate suffering/protect property), four primary Army tasks, four defining characteristics, three warfighting functions for DSCA, National Preparedness Doctrine (Goal/NIMS/NRF), 15 Emergency Support Functions, tiered response, Posse Comitatus Act, duty status categories (Title 10/Title 32/State Active Duty), Rules for Use of Force, and National Guard roles.
DSCA is tested at boards because every Soldier may be called to support domestic operations. Boards ask about Posse Comitatus, the difference between National Guard and federal military authority, and the four defining characteristics of DSCA. Getting this wrong in a real-world scenario has legal consequences — boards know that.
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