Which term is identified as a decisive action element supporting civilians during disasters?

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

Answer: (A)

Decisive action here centers on how the military supports civilian authorities to help people during disasters. The term that fits this role is Defense Support to Civil Authorities. It describes the use of military capabilities—such as search and rescue, medical support, logistics, engineering, and security—under civilian leadership to aid in emergencies like natural disasters or major events. This arrangement preserves civilian control while bringing needed resources to the response and relief effort, typically coordinated with state and local authorities and activated when authorized or requested.

The other terms don’t describe this civilian-focused support. One implies pulling forces back or redeploying, another refers to the pace or rhythm of operations, and another denotes offensive action against an attacker. None of those capture the specific function of assisting civilians during disasters.