SDLP and Sinn Féin members of the Policing Board said they were angry that Sir Orde did not tell them about the move when the members met yesterday to discuss policy matters with the Chief Constable.
SDLP Assembly member Dolores Kelly, who sits on the Northern Ireland Policing Board, says she wants to raise the issue with the PSNI and the Irish Government.
The development came as Sir Hugh said the threat from dissidents is at the highest level of his six and a half years in the position.
He has agreed to brief members of the Policing Board next week on the use of military support, their relationship to the PSNI and the accountability arrangements.
However, he said he would continue to use specialist support to deal with the growing threat from dissident republicans.
