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My Coast Guard
Commentary | Aug. 1, 2024

DHS Surge Capacity Force seeks federal employee volunteers

By MyCG Staff

The Department of Homeland Security Surge Capacity Force (DHS SCF) is seeking federal employee volunteers to assist FEMA in responding to natural disasters and catastrophic incidents.  

The Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-295) established the DHS SCF to deploy federal employees in the aftermath of a catastrophic event to help support response and recovery efforts. The DHS SCF has been activated twice. First in 2012 in support of Hurricane Sandy and then in 2017 in response to hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and the wildfires in California.  

Any permanent full-time federal employee GS-15 and below, from any federal executive agency, may volunteer with the DHS SCF. Deployments generally do not exceed 45 days, though they can be shorter if the mission is completed.  

Becoming a member of the SCF is a unique opportunity to support DHS missions during and immediately after major disasters or emergencies and develop skills beyond your regular positions.    

Join us on August 8th from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. EDT for a FEMA-led SCF information session on the unique and rewarding opportunities for Coast Guard civilian employees to directly contribute to the DHS mission, develop new skills, and assist disaster survivors (military members and contractors are not eligible for participation).   

Join on Teams! Send your questions and requests for call-in information to USCG-SCF@uscg.mil.  

-USCG-