Federal agencies or state governors request DOD capabilities to support their emergency response efforts by using a formal RFA [Requests for Assistance] process. How DOD handles RFAs depends on various factors, such as: Stafford or non-Stafford Act situation, urgency of the incident, establishment of a JFO, if a DCO or JTF has been appointed, and originator of the request (incident command, state, regional, or national). It is important to note that not all CS is provided via the RFA process. Other processes for obtaining and/or providing support are covered in more detail in Chapter III, "Operations". (1) Civil authorities may request other CS activities in writing through various means established by the appropriate DOD policy documents. For example, support for military fly-overs may be requested using DD Form 2535 as described in DODD 5410.18, Public Affairs Community Relations Policy. (2) In general The FCO at the incident site receives RFAs from civil authorities and submits them to the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Department of Defense, who forwards them to the ASD(HD&ASA) and to the JDOMS for validation and order processing, respectively. When a DCO is at the incident site, RFAs are submitted directly to ASD(HD&ASA). Once the SecDef approves the request, an order is issued to combatant commands, Services, and/or agencies to accomplish the mission. The decision process differs significantly for approving Stafford and non-Stafford RFAs (See: Figure II-2). Requests are validated at all levels within the chain of command. JDOMS prepares an order and coordinates with necessary force providers, legal counsel, and ASD(HD&ASA) to ensure asset deconfliction and recommendation concurrence. DOD evaluates all requests by US civil authorities for military assistance against six established criteria, including: (a) Legality. Is the support in compliance with laws, Presidential directives (b) Lethality. Is use of lethal force by or against DOD personnel likely or expected? Cites Strategy for Homeland Defense and Civil Support, pp. 5-6. (c) Risk. Safety of DOD forces. Can the request be met safely, or can concerns be mitigated by equipment or training? (d) Cost. Who pays, and what is the impact on DOD budget? (e) Appropriateness. Is the requested mission in the interest of DOD to conduct? Who normally performs and is best suited to fill the request? (f) Readiness. What is the impact on DOD's ability to perform its primary mission? (JCS/DoD, Civil Support, 2007, pp. II-3-4)