The decision to initiate DSCA can come from which of the following authorities?

The initiation of Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) primarily relies on the authority of the President of the United States or the Secretary of Defense. These leaders possess the highest level of command within the federal structure and are responsible for mobilizing military resources in support of civil authorities, particularly during times of crisis, natural disasters, or other emergencies.

When situations arise that require federal assistance, the President or the Secretary of Defense can authorize the deployment of Department of Defense resources to aid local, state, and federal agencies. This involvement is grounded in legal frameworks such as Title 10 and Title 32 of the U.S. Code, which delineate the roles of military forces in domestic operations.

Other figures such as state governors and local government officials can request assistance and mobilize state National Guard units, but they do not have the authority to initiate DSCA on a federal level. The Joint Chiefs of Staff primarily serve as military advisors and do not initiate DSCA independently. Therefore, while local and state officials play significant roles in the request and coordination of resources, the overarching authority to activate DSCA lies with the President or Secretary of Defense.