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<p>Past domestic catastrophic disasters have required massive Department of  Defense (DoD) Title 10 involvement. During Hurricanes Andrew and Katrina, DoDs  initial response, although critical, was criticized as slow. The increased risks to the  United States of cataclysmic events have solidified DoDs mandatory response to future  events. This has punctuated the importance of DoDs initial response capability.  Historically, DoDs response to catastrophic disasters was instantaneous. This was in part  due to the strong relationships they maintained with State and local civil authorities. This  thesis examines how the once strong relationship between DoD and State civil authorities  deteriorated over the years contributing to DoDs slow initial response to Hurricanes  Andrew and Katrina. Changes to disaster statutes, doctrine, and authoritative policies  along with a contentious debate over the DoDs role in the domestic disaster arena have  aided in deteriorating their relationship. The thesis explores what can be done to reverse  the trend and build a collaborative relationship between DoD and State civil authorities.  It concludes by setting forth findings and recommendations focused on creating  relationship building mechanisms between the DoD and State civil authorities aimed at  improving DoD initial response for the next catastrophic disaster.
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<br>Subjects: Preparedness.; Disaster Response; Civil Support; Department of Defense; Defense Support of Civil Authorities; State Civil Authority; Homeland Defense; Governor; State; Emergency Management; Interagency Cooperation; USNORTHCOM; Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer; Catastrophe; Disaster Plans; Military; Relationships</div>
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Lombardo, Tony S.</div>
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