3-42. Arguably, the most challenging aspect of DSCA for Army leaders is the nature of providing support alongside numerous partners when there is no unity of command. During emergencies, many of the military forces supporting first responders will be working with each other for the first time. Federal forces may be providing DSCA for the first time. Effective command and control in this type of environment is just as important as in combat operations. Commanders need to understand how the exercise of authority in DSCA differs from combat operations. However, the principles of Army mission command doctrine still apply.