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(U//FOUO) U.S.-Canada Civil Assistance Plan 2012

April 4, 2013 in Canada, U.S. Northern Command, United States

This bilateral plan provides a framework for military forces of one nation to support military forces of the other nation that are providing military support of civil authorities. The focus of this document is the unique, bilateral military planning considerations required to align our respective national military plans to respond quickly to national requests for military support of civil authorities. Nothing in this plan prevents either nation from responding unilaterally; rather, this plan will facilitate unity of effort, if and when requests for bilateral support are received.

U.S. Northern Command CONPLAN 3501-08 Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA)

February 5, 2013 in U.S. Northern Command

Natural or man-made disasters and special events can be so demanding that local, tribal) state and non-military federal responders are temporarily overwhelmed by the situation. The Department of Defense (DOD) has a long history of supporting civil authorities in the wake of catastrophic events. When directed by the President or the Secretary of Defense (SecDef), United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) will respond quickly and effectively to the requests of civil authorities to save livesj prevent human suffering, and mitigate great property damage. The Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan 2008 (JSCP) directs CDRUSNORTHCOM to prepare a plan to support the employment of Title 10 DOD forces providing Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) in accordance with (IAW) the National Response Framework (NRF), applicable federal law, DOD Directives (DODD), and other policy guidance including those hazards defined by the National Planning Scenarios that are not addressed by other JSCP tasked plans. DSCA is a subset of DOD civil support that is performed within the parameters of the NRF.

U.S. Northern Command Title 10 Dual Status Commander Standard Operating Procedures

January 3, 2013 in U.S. Northern Command

The Council of Governors and the President of the United States have identified the need for Dual Status Commanders (DSC) to unify the response efforts within the 54 Territories and States of the United States of America. United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) has identified Title 10 Deputy Commanders (O-6 in grade) to lead a Joint Support Force Staff Element (JSF-SE) that will integrate with the State-Level DSC staff in order to provide unity of effort to the response of both Title 32/State Active Duty (SAD) and Title 10 forces. This Standard Operating Procedures document outlines the USNORTHCOM Staff support to the DSC Program, a template for a T10 Deputy Commander Handbook and the methods, procedures and best practices for the JSF-SE.

U.S. Northern Command-NORAD Battle Staff Standard Operating Procedures

January 3, 2013 in U.S. Northern Command

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) Publication Series is the authoritative reference defining the Commands’ missions and structure, force employment objectives, mission area planning considerations and operational processes from the strategic to the tactical level. The NORAD and USNORTHCOM Publication Series also defines the Commands’ doctrine, as well as their operational tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP). The NORAD and USNORTHCOM Publication Series is authoritative because it defines the actions and methods implementing joint doctrine and describes how assigned and attached military forces will be employed in the Commands’ joint and combined operations.

U.S. Northern Command Homeland Defense/Civil Support Capabilities Assessment Study Plan

July 9, 2012 in U.S. Northern Command

This Study Plan outlines the background, scope, strategic assumptions, study objectives, analysis methodology, scenario considerations, timeline, and management responsibilities in conducting the Homeland Defense and Civil Support Capabilities-based Assessment (HD/CS CBA) to include production of the Functional Area Analysis (FAA), Functional Needs Analysis (FNA) and a Joint Capabilities Document (JCD). This CBA, through the execution of the FAA, FNA. And JCD; identifies, describes, documents, and prioritizes DOD’s capability gaps and excesses in the HD/CS mission areas (to include the Mission Assurance (MA) function).

National Guard Domestic Joint Task Force (JTF) Commander Handbook

May 7, 2012 in National Guard

Preparing Guardsmen to become effective Joint Task Force Commanders (CJTFs) is a critical first step in securing the United States from attack through an active layered defense and responding to a wide range of challenging incidents. Initially, the National Guard Bureau (NGB) designed this course to provide potential CJTFs the knowledge and ability to plan and employ National Guard (NG) Joint Task Forces (JTFs) for homeland defense (HD) and defense support of civil authorities (DSCA). The course has become a partnership between NGB and USNORTHCOM.

(U//FOUO) USJFCOM Combat Observation and Decision-Making in Irregular and Ambiguous Conflicts (CODIAC)

October 19, 2011 in U.S. Joint Forces Command

This curriculum was directly inspired by the US Marine Corps’ Combat Hunter program. Created in 2007, in response to a dramatic increase in precision fire causalities in Baghdad, Combat Hunter is systematic training designed to improve cognitive skills, showing personnel how to read the human terrain, establish a baseline, detect an anomaly, and make decisions “left of bang.” In other words, Combat Hunter was designed to train personnel to anticipate danger and meet it proactively. In an irregular conflict, this enables personnel to be the “hunters”—not the “hunted.” CODIAC integrates the USMC Combat Hunter principles, along with proven battlefield decision-making and irregular warfare instruction from across the Joint services. The goal of CODIAC is to enhance the ability of individuals and small teams to address irregular challenges by training enhanced observation, battlefield sensemaking, human terrain pattern recognition, and environmental analysis (including knowledge of combat tracking).

DHS Federal Interagency Geospatial Concept of Operations (GeoCONOPS) Version 3

September 19, 2011 in Department of Homeland Security

Version 3.0 Federal Interagency Geospatial Concept of Operations (GeoCONOPS) final draft from June 2011.

(U//FOUO) USNORTHCOM Force Protection Advisory for 9/11 Anniversary

September 7, 2011 in U.S. Northern Command

THIS IS ADVANCE WARNING OF AN ANTICIPATED DECISION BY USNORTHCOM PENDING SECDEF APPROVAL TO INCREASE FPCON IN PREPARATION FOR ACTIVITIES COMMEMORATING THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 9/11 TERRORIST ATTACKS. WE ANTICIPATE THAT CDRUSNORTHCOM WILL DIRECT CHANGES TO THE FORCE PROTECTION CONDITION (FPCON) LEVELS ACROSS THE USNORTHCOM AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (AOR). ALL DOD ELEMENTS TACON FOR FP TO USNORTHCOM WILL PLAN FOR EXECUTION OF FPCON LEVEL BRAVO AND IMPLEMENT SUPPLEMENTAL FP ACTIONS, AS DIRECTED HEREIN, NOT LATER THAN 070600Z SEPTEMBER 2011.

The Military’s Plans for Social Unrest: CONPLAN 3502, Civil Disturbance Operations and Martial Law

August 15, 2011 in News

Recent unrest in London has sparked media interest in the U.S. military’s plans for civil unrest, including a report from the Atlantic on a little known document called CONPLAN 3502. With economies declining around the world and social unrest spreading throughout the Middle East and even into Western democracies, many wonder what would happen if this sort of unrest and violence were to spread to the United States. Would the response be measured and calm, respecting popular movements and upholding fundamental human rights, or would the response look something more like what is happening in Syria? To understand just what would happen in the event of widespread unrest in the United States, you must first familiarize yourself with CONPLAN 3502, the classified military plan for civil disturbances. A slide from a U.S. Northern Command presentation previously published by this site indicates that CONPLAN 3502 is one of several Contingency Plans (CONPLANs) for domestic U.S. military operations in the event of a disaster, terrorist attack or national security special event (NSSE). Several of the plans deal with Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA) in times of disaster or crisis, including pandemic influenza outbreaks, nuclear and radiological events, as well as chemical weapons attacks. Though, CONPLAN 3502 is unique in that it deals exclusively with support operations conducted with local authorities during times of “civil disturbance”. Because CONPLAN 3502 is classified “Secret”, it has not been released to the public and little is known of its contents. However, through bits of information found in a number of relevant documents, a fairly coherent picture of military civil disturbance planning may be ascertained.

(U//FOUO) DHS-FBI-NORTHCOM Super Bowl 2011 Joint Special Event Threat Assessment

February 5, 2011 in Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Counterterrorism Center, U.S. Northern Command

This Joint Special Event Threat Assessment (JSETA) addresses potential threats to the National Football League (NFL)USPER Super Bowl XLV, which will be played on 6 February 2011 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. It focuses on potential threats to the game—and to various NFL-sanctioned events scheduled for the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex-area during the 12 days prior to the game—from international and domestic terrorists, cyber actors, criminals, and foreign intelligence services.

(U//FOUO) U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and CONPLAN 3500 CBRNE Response Overview

November 20, 2010 in U.S. Northern Command

(U//FOUO) U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and CONPLAN 3500 CBRNE Response Overview, March 3, 2009.

(U//FOUO) Unified Command Plan 2008

November 19, 2010 in White House

The National Security Act of 1947 and title 10 of the United States Code (U.S.C.) provide the basis for the establishment of combatant commands. The Unified Command Plan (UCP) establishes the missions, responsibilities, and geographic areas of responsibility (AORs) for commanders of combatant commands (“combatant commanders”). A “geographic combatant commander” is a commander of a combatant command that includes a geographic AOR. A “functional combatant commander” is a commander of a combatant command with transregional responsibilities. Command of combatant commands will be exercised as provided for herein and as otherwise directed by the Secretary of Defense (the “Secretary”).

USNORTHCOM General Population Evacuation by Air

April 24, 2010 in U.S. Northern Command

USNORTHCOM General Population Evacuation by Air Brief from March 17, 2009.

USNORTHCOM Electric Energy Security in the Domestic Theater

March 23, 2010 in U.S. Northern Command

USNORTHCOM Electric Energy Security in the Domestic Theater brief from December 14, 2009

USNORTHCOM Joint Task Force North Special Interest Aliens Handbook

January 26, 2010 in U.S. Northern Command

This smart book was compiled by Joint Task Force North in response to a support request by the United States Border Patrol. The purpose is to provide the Department of Homeland Security with a basic reference and questioning guide to determine the validity of an apprehended individual’s stated country of origin and to assist in identifying those that are Special Interest Aliens (SIAs). Customs and Border Protection identifies thirty-four countries and two territories as special interest countries. This is current as of March 1, 2008.

Obama Executive Order: Establishment of the Council of Governors

January 12, 2010 in White House

Sec. 2. Functions. The Council shall meet at the call of the Secretary of Defense or the Co-Chairs of the Council to exchange views, information, or advice with the Secretary of Defense; the Secretary of Homeland Security; the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism; the Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement; the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas’ Security Affairs; the Commander,United States Northern Command; the Chief, National Guard Bureau; the Commandant of the Coast Guard; and other appropriate officials of the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense, and appropriate officials of other executive departments or agencies as may be designated by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Homeland Security.Such views, information, or advice shall concern:

(a) matters involving the National Guard of the various States;

(b) homeland defense;

(c) civil support;

(d) synchronization and integration of State and Federal military activities in the United States; and

(e) other matters of mutual interest pertaining toNational Guard, homeland defense, and civil support activities.

Canada Command, USNORTHCOM Civil Assistance Plan

September 11, 2009 in Canada, U.S. Northern Command

The purpose of the Canada-United States Civil Assistance Plan (CAP) is to provide a framework for the military of one nation to provide support to the military of the other nation in the performance of civil support operations (e.g., floods, forest fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, and effects of a terrorist attack).

USNORTHCOM Interoperability Brief

August 30, 2009 in North American Aerospace Defense Command, U.S. Northern Command

•DoD is not the Lead Federal Agency
•Provide support only as directed
•Potential missions cover an extremely broad range of activities –anywhere in North America
•Communication interoperability still a nebulous concept
•Strategic, Operational or Tactical?

NORAD-NORTHCOM SG: PM/OEHS Roles in Natural Disaster Support – Hurricane Katrina Perspective

August 19, 2009 in North American Aerospace Defense Command, U.S. Northern Command

• NORTHCOM: Initial OPCON and FHP guidance/requirements
• JFMCC: OPCON of Naval assets unless given TACON to JTF-Katrina
• JTF-Katrina: Once stood-up, NORTHCOM gave OPCON to assets in JOA; refine FHP guidance/requirements

The Pentagon Wants Authority to Post Almost 400,000 Military Personnel in U.S.

August 18, 2009 in News

The Pentagon has approached Congress to grant the Secretary of Defense the authority to post almost 400,000 military personnel throughout the United States in times of emergency or a major disaster. This request has already occasioned a dispute with the nation’s governors. And it raises the prospect of U.S. military personnel patrolling the streets of the United States, in conflict with the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878.

Homeland Security: Roles and Missions for United States Northern Command

August 18, 2009 in Congressional Research Service

In 2002, President Bush signed a new Unified Command Plan (UCP) establishing United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM) to provide command and control of the Department of Defense’s (DOD’s) homeland defense efforts and to coordinate military support to civil authorities.

Joint Task Force Civil Support Command Brief

August 17, 2009 in U.S. Northern Command

JTF-CS anticipates, plans and integrates USNORTHCOM Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high-yield Explosive (CBRNE) Consequence Management operations and when directed, establishes command and control of DoD forces for a CBRNE incident to assist local authorities in saving lives, preventing injury, and providing temporary critical life support.

Pandemic Influenza Chain Training Brief

August 17, 2009 in North American Aerospace Defense Command, U.S. Northern Command

•Occurs mostly during fall/winter in U.S.
•Spread by air-borne droplets
•Viral shedding begins before symptoms start and may continue after symptoms begin to resolve
•Symptoms –fever, dry cough, aches and pains, malaise, runny nose
•Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are extremely rare
•Symptoms may last 5-7 days in healthy individuals

Mortuary Affairs – Is USNORTHCOM and the Department of Homeland Security Positioned for Contaminated Mass Fatality Management?

August 11, 2009 in U.S. Army

The Global War on Terrorism has emphasized homeland defense and security as a priority for the Nation. U.S. Northern command (USNORTHCOM) recently attained its initial operational capability as the Department of Defense executive agent for Homeland Defense. Terrorists have demonstrated the ability and willingness to obtain and use Weapons of Mass destruction to further their goals.