Defense coordinating officer (DCO)

Definition

A Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO) is a military officer appointed by the Department of Defense to facilitate the coordination of military support during domestic incidents. This officer is responsible for processing requests for military assistance, coordinating resources, and advising on the appropriate use of military personnel and equipment. The DCO works alongside federal, state, and local authorities during emergencies or special events.

Key Takeaways

1. The Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO) is a significant role appointed by the Department of Defense (DoD). It ensures effective communication, integration, and coordination between the department and the Department of Homeland Security during domestic incidents.
2. The DCO oversees and assists Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with requests for Department of Defense (DOD) support during disaster responses. They play a key role in determining the resources needed and coordinating logistics during these circumstances.
3. Appointed DCOs and their teams are deeply embedded in each of FEMA’s ten regions as part of the Regional Response Coordination teams. This structure enables close collaboration, swift action in emergencies, and clear defense support to civilian authorities.

Importance

The role of a Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO) is crucial in military operations as they serve as the Department of Defense’s primary civilian representative at a disaster site.

They act as a liaison between the Department of Defense and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), coordinating requests for military support during domestic emergencies and disasters like hurricanes, terrorist attacks, or pandemic responses.

They play a pivotal role in ensuring the appropriate allocation and application of military resources where they are most needed, contributing to overall mission effectiveness and efficiency.

Hence, the role of a DCO is critical for seamless collaboration between various units and streamlined disaster response operations, ultimately aiding in saving lives and minimizing damage during emergencies.

Explanation

The Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO) plays an essential role in facilitating Department of Defense (DoD) support during a domestic incident. They act as the primary point of contact for federal authorities like the Department of Homeland Security, ensuring that military intervention and support is provided promptly and appropriately.

Their purpose is to effectively streamline all defense assets and defense support of civil authorities (DSCA) including military personnel, equipment, and supplies. DCOs mainly focus on coordinating DoD capabilities in support of the overall federal response during domestic incidents.

They receive, vet and fulfill requests for assistance from federal authorities, liaising with commanding officers to ensure that resources are correctly redirected to where they are most needed. They are actively involved in scenario planning and preparedness activities to help identify likely resources needed in case of anticipated incidents or emergencies.

Thus, their role significantly strengthens inter-agency coordination and contributes to facilitating a timely, comprehensive, and effective response to various types of domestic incidents.

Examples of Defense coordinating officer (DCO)

Hurricane Katrina Response (2005): When the devastating Hurricane Katrina struck the southeastern United States, a Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO) was appointed to assist in coordinating the Department of Defense (DoD) response efforts. The DCO worked with federal, state, and local agencies to ensure effective allocation of military resources, from helicopter rescue missions to distribution of relief supplies.

COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-2021): During the COVID-19 pandemic, DCOs were integral in coordinating the use of Military Department resources to support civilian agencies. They helped manage the deployment of military hospital ships USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy, as well as the construction and manning of makeshift hospitals in convention centers nationwide. Furthermore, they played a crucial role in aiding the vaccination rollout in many regions.

California Wildfires (2018): During the massive wildfires event in California in 2018, a DCO was tasked to provide efficient coordination between DoD and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The officer worked to ensure that military assets, including personnel, equipment, and aircraft for fire suppression, were correctly and timely mobilized, and their efforts were integrated smoothly with other emergency services.

FAQs for Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO)

What is a Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO)?

A Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO) is a military staff member appointed by the Department of Defense (DoD) to facilitate the process of sourcing military support to civil authorities.

What is the role of a DCO?

The DCO’s main role is to advise on military matters, coordinate military support to civilian entities, manage defense resources, and provide regular operational updates during emergency operations.

Where are DCOs typically stationed?

DCOs are typically stationed in FEMA regions across the United States. They work directly with federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial authorities on disaster response activities.

What kind of training does a DCO undergo?

DCOs undergo vigorous training in civil-military relations, disaster response planning, interagency coordination, and emergency management systems.

Can a DCO command troops?

No, a DCO does not have the authority to command troops. Their primary function is to advise, coordinate, and facilitate the provision of military resources to civil authorities.

Related Military Operation Terms

• Joint Field Office (JFO)
• Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA)
• Emergency Support Function (ESF)
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• Disaster Response Plan (DRP)

Sources for More Information

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): This agency works closely with DCO’s in disaster response, thus would provide relevant information.
• U.S. Department of Defense: As the home department for DCO’s, it would have extensive information on the role.
• The Joint Chiefs of Staff: This military body would have strategic and operational information involving DCO’s.
• GlobalSecurity.org: This trusted, independent source provides deep analysis and context of various military roles, including DCO’s.