Which option names the element of decisive action that involves coordination with civilian authorities during emergencies?

• A. Retrograde
• B. Tempo
• C. Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA)
• D. Attack

Answer: (C)

Coordinating with civilian authorities during emergencies is the function described by Defense Support to Civil Authorities. DSCA covers the military’s role when it assists local, state, or federal authorities in responding to disasters or emergencies, doing so under civilian command and in partnership with civilian agencies. This arrangement ensures resources and capabilities are used to support public safety while respecting civilian leadership. The other ideas refer to different concepts: a retrograde involves pulling forces back from an area, tempo is the pace of operations, and an attack is an offensive action against an adversary. None of those incorporate the formal coordination with civilian authorities for domestic emergencies in the same way DSCA does.