§ 501.3 - Command authority.

(a) In the enforcement of the laws, Federal Armed Forces are employed as a part of the military power of the United States and act under the orders of the President as Commander in Chief. When commitment of Federal Armed Forces has taken place, the duly designated military commander at the objective area will act to the extent necessary to accomplish his mission. In the accomplishment of his mission, reasonable necessity is the measure of his authority, subject of course, to instructions he may receive from his superiors.

(b) Federal Armed Forces committed in aid of the civil authorities will be under the command of, and directly responsible to, their military and civilian superiors through the Department of the Army chain of command. They will not be placed under the command of an officer of the State Defense Forces or of the National Guard not in the Federal service, or of any local or State civil official; any unlawful or unauthorized act on the part of such troops would not be excusable on the ground that it was the result of an order received from any such officer or official. As directed by the Army Chief of Staff, military commanders will be responsive to authorized Federal civil officials.