DOD Civil Support During the 2007 and 2008 California Wildland Fires

摘要

We answered Joint Staff concerns regarding the validation of requests for DoD support to civil authorities during the 2007 southern California wildland fires. Specifically, we reviewed DoD response activities with regard to authorities, validation of requests, and financial management pertaining to support rendered. We also reviewed response activities associated with the 2008 northern California wildland fires. We examined the DoD response during the 2007 and 2008 California wildland fires and developments since those incidents. DoD provided support during the 2007 southern California wildland fires that was either available through other sources or not requested by civil authorities. We estimated that DoD provided about $3 million in support that was unnecessary for the response. There are weaknesses in DoD's internal controls. DoD's policies do not require fiscal accountability for units providing situational awareness in support of U.S. Northern Command. The Navy and Marine Corps properly followed existing guidance when performing Task Force Bulldozer under Immediate Response Authority, but weaknesses in the guidance exist. There are weaknesses in DoD policy for reimbursement, closeout of mission assignments, and oversight of DoD funds used to complete U.S. Northern Command's (USNORTHCOM) civil support mission. The Chairman, Joint Staff, should codify the Defense Coordinating Officer program. The Office of the Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer should issue policy requiring units to report financial matters through U.S. Northern Command until reimbursement is completed. The U.S. Northern Command should continue to coordinate with civil authorities and review policies to determine whether situational awareness is required to complete the mission and if it is obtained in the most efficient manner. USNORTHCOM should also request funds for DoD assets performing situational awareness of civil support missions.