JO-501 - Joint Command Structures
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
501.1 Comprehend the organizational framework within which
joint forces are employed [I.1(b)]. Section changed -- grammar
corrections.
501.11 Summarize how the Unified Command Plan (UCP) divides
the world into CINC AORs.
Unified Command Plan. The document, approved by the President, which sets forth basic guidance to all unified combatant commanders; establishes their missions, responsibilities, and force structure; delineates the general geographical area of responsibility for geographic combatant commanders; and specifies functional responsibilities for functional combatant commanders. Also called UCP.(Joint Pub 1-02)
The Unified Action Armed Forces (UNAAF) and Unified Command Plan
(UCP) govern the organization and development of command relationships
within the US military. Structuring forces to meet our security
needs is a vitally important task because the US has limited forces
and capabilities to meet global security concerns.
Unified Command Plan (UCP) contains the following:
501.12 . Describe current UCP organizational issues.
I could find no reference in any of the Joint Pubs of a current
UCP organizational issue.
501.1. Describe the relationship of the Services to CINCs.
The services provide the resources required to perform the mission to the CINC. The services are responsible for organizing, training, and equipping functions but the CINC maintains COCOM over the forces assigned.
Two additional concepts:
Continuous Coordination--All components of the Department
of Defense are charged to coordinate on matters of common or
overlapping responsibility
Interoperability--meaning the forces, units, and systems
of all Services must operate together effectively.
501.14 Describe the command and control structure used in
operations.
The term "unified action" is a broad generic term referring
to the broad scope of activities taking place within unified
commands, subordinate unified commands, or joint task forces under
the overall direction of the commanders of those commands.
Within this general category of operations, subordinate commanders
of forces conduct either single-Service or joint operations to
support the overall operation. Unified action integrates joint,
single-Service, special, and supporting operations, in conjunction
with interagency, non-governmental, private voluntary organizations,
multinational, or United Nations operations, into a unity of effort
in the theater or joint operations area. Unified action within
the military instrument of national power supports the national
strategic unity of effort through close coordination with the
other instruments of national power. Unified direction is normally
accomplished by establishing a joint force, assigning a mission
or objective to the joint force commander, establishing command
relationships, assigning or attaching appropriate forces to the
joint force, and empowering the joint force commander with sufficient
authority over the forces to accomplish the assigned mission.
501.2 Comprehend the purpose, roles, functions, and relationships
of the National Command Authorities (NCA), National Security Council
(NSC), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), Combatant
Commanders, Service Chiefs, and Joint Force Commanders (JFC)s
[I.1(c)].
General Summary
The NCA exercises authority and control of the armed forces
through a single chain of command with two distinct branches.
The first runs from the President, to the Secretary of Defense,
directly to the commanders of combatant commands for missions
and forces assigned to their commands. The second branch,
used for purposes other than operational direction of forces
assigned to the combatant command, runs from the President
to the Secretary of Defense to the Secretaries of the Military
Departments.
501.21 Explain the purposes, roles, and functions of the
NCA.
The National Command Authorities (NCA), consisting of the President
and the Secretary of Defense, or their authorized alternates,
exercise authority over the Armed Forces through the combatant
commanders for those forces assigned to the combatant commands
and through the Secretaries of the Military Departments and the
Chiefs of the Services for those forces not assigned to the combatant
commands.
501.22 Explain the purposes, roles, and functions of the
NSC.
The NSC system is the principal forum for deliberation of national
security policy issues requiring Presidential decision. The statutory
members of the council are the president, the vice president,
the secretary of state, and the secretary of defense. The
NSC system provides the framework for establishing national strategy
and policy objectives. The NSC develops policy options, considers
implications, coordinates operational problems that require inter-departmental
consideration, develops recommendations for the President, and
monitors policy implementation. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs
of Staff discharges a substantial part of his statutory responsibilities
as the principal military adviser to the President, the NSC, and
the Secretary of Defense through the institutional channels of
the NSC. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff regularly attends
NSC meetings and presents his views and those of the other members
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the combatant commanders. The
NSC prepares national security guidance that, with Presidential
approval, implements national security policy. These policy decisions
provide the basis for military planning and programming.
501.23 Explain the purposes, roles, and functions of the
CJCS.
The Chairman is appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, from the officers of the regular component of the Armed Forces. The Chairman arranges for military advice, as appropriate, to be provided to all offices of the Secretary of Defense. While holding office, the Chairman outranks all other officers of the Armed Forces. The Chairman may not exercise military command over the combatant commanders, Joint Chiefs of Staff, or any of the Armed Forces. The Chairman acts as the spokesman for the combatant commanders, especially on the operational requirements of their commands. These commanders will send their reports to the Chairman, who will channel them to the secretary of Defense, subject to the direction of the Secretary of Defense, so that the Chairman may better incorporate the views of these commanders in advice to the President and the Secretary of Defense. The Chairman also communicates, as appropriate, the combatant commanders' requirements to other elements of the Department of Defense. The Chairman assists the President and the Secretary of Defense in performing their command functions. The Chairman transmits their orders to the combatant commanders as directed by the President and coordinates all communications in matters of joint interest addressed to the combatant commanders by other authority.
CJCS Short List:
501.24 Explain the purposes, roles, and functions of the
Combatant Commanders.
GENERAL FUNCTIONS OF A COMBATANT COMMANDER
Directly responsible to the NCA for the performance of assigned missions and the preparedness of their commands to perform assigned missions.
(DOD and other federal government agencies such as the Defense
Logistics Agency (DLA), the Agency for International Development,
nongovernmental organizations such as religious relief agencies,
corporations, private and nongovernment volunteer organizations,
international agencies such as the International Red Cross, and
the United Nations).
501.25 Explain the purposes, roles, and functions of the
JFCs.
Joint Force Commander. is a general term applied to a combatant
commander, subunified commander, or joint task force commander
authorized to exercise combatant command (command authority) or
operational control over a joint force. Also called JFC. (Joint
Pub 1-02). See above for details on combatant commander functions.
Joint force commanders are provided staffs to assist them in the
decision making and execution process. The staff is an extension
of the commander; its sole function is command support, and its
only authority is that which is delegated to it by the commander.
501.26 Explain the purposes, roles, and functions of the
Service Chiefs.
501.27 Explain how CINCs interact with the NCA, NSC, CJCS,
Service Chiefs, and JFCs.
Interaction starts with the President, who appoints the CINC in
the first place, and flows both directions from that point on.
The President, through the Secretary of Defense, with the advice
and assistance of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, establishes
combatant (unified or specified) commands for the performance
of military missions and prescribes the force structure of such
commands. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff assists
the President and Secretary of Defense in performing their command
functions. The Chairman transmits to the commanders of the
combatant commands the orders given by the NCA and, as directed
by the Secretary of Defense, also oversees the activities of those
commands. Orders will be issued by the President or the Secretary
of Defense and are normally conveyed by the Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff by authority and direction of the Secretary of
Defense. Reports from combatant commanders will normally be
submitted through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who
forwards them to the Secretary of Defense and acts as the spokesman
for the commanders of the combatant commands. CINCs communicate
directly to their subordinate JFCs.
501.28 Describe the process, sources of input, and timelines
associated with the formulation of the Joint Strategic Capabilities
Plan (JSCP).
The Joint Strategic Planning System (JSPS) is the primary formal
means by which the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in coordination
with the other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the combatant
commanders, carries out his statutory responsibilities required
by title 10, US Code, 6 April 1991, and further delineated in
DOD 5100.1, 25 September 1987. CJCS memorandum of policy (MOP)
7, to be revised as CJCSI 3100.01,provides policy and procedures
governing the operation of the JSPS. The central process
of the JSPS is the Joint Strategy Review (JSR).
The JSR is a continuous process that assesses the strategic
environment for issues and factors that affect the National Military
Strategy (NMS) in the near-term or the long-range. It continuously
gathers information; examines current, emerging and future issues,
threats, technologies, organizations, doctrinal concepts, force
structures and military missions; and reviews and assesses current
strategy, forces, and national policy objectives. The JSR facilitates
the integration of strategy, joint operation planning, and program
assessment. When significant changes or factors in the strategic
environment are identified, JSR issue papers are presented to
the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Chiefs of the Services,
and the combatant commanders. These papers will provide entering
arguments for proposed changes to the National Military Strat
(NMS), Joint Planning Document (JPD), and JSCP and solicit the
Chairman's guidance for changing the military strategy if required.
The JSCP provides a coherent framework for capabilities-based
military advice provided to the NCA. It is reviewed at least
biennially for required changes. (JP 5-0)
501.29 Describe the purpose of the JSCP and comprehend the
tasking and guidance provided in the JSCP.
Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan (JSCP) provides guidance for planning purposes to the combatant commanders and the Chiefs of the Services to accomplish tasks and missions based on current military capabilities. This guidance capitalizes on US strengths and permits it to exploit the weaknesses of those who may threaten our national interests. The JSCP provides a coherent framework for capabilities-based military advice provided to the NCA.
Deliberate Planning is a critical concept in the JSCP. Deliberate planning prepares for a possible contingency based upon the best available information and using forces and resources apportioned for deliberate planning by the Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan (JSCP). It relies heavily on assumptions regarding the political and military circumstances that will exist when the plan is implemented. Deliberate planning is conducted principally in peacetime to develop joint operation plans for contingencies identified in strategic planning documents.
The JSCP provides the strategic direction required to coordinate the planning efforts of the combatant commanders in pursuit of national strategic objectives and to integrate their efforts with those of the remainder of the JPEC. The JSCP is the link between strategic planning and joint operation planning. It is the primary vehicle through which the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff exercises his responsibility to provide for the preparation of joint operation plans. The JSCP initiates deliberate joint operation planning by assigning planning tasks to the combatant commanders, apportioning major combat forces and resources, and issuing planning guidance to integrate the joint operation planning activities of the entire JPEC within a coherent, focused framework.
The JSCP initiates deliberate joint operation planning by:
501.3 Comprehend how joint force command relationships and
directive authority for logistics support joint warfighting capabilities
[I.1(d)].
Directive Authority for Logistic Matters. Commanders of combatant commands may exercise directive authority for logistics (or delegate directive authority for a common support capability). The exercise of directive authority for logistics by a combatant commander includes the authority to issue directives to subordinate commanders, including peacetime measures, necessary to ensure the following: effective execution of approved operation plans; effectiveness and economy of operation; and prevention or elimination of unnecessary duplication of facilities and overlapping of functions among the Service component commands.
A combatant commander will exercise approval authority over
Service logistic programs (base adjustments, force beddowns,
and other aspects as appropriate) within the command's area of
responsibility that will have significant effects on operational
capability or sustainability. When the combatant commander does
not concur with a proposed Service logistic program action and
coordination between the combatant commander and the Chief of
the Service fails to result in an arrangement suitable to all
parties, the combatant commander may forward the issue through
the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Secretary of
Defense for resolution.
501.31 Summarize JTF organizational structures.
Background on Joint Forces--Joint forces are established at three levels: unified commands, subordinate unified commands, and joint task forces.
a. Authority to Establish. In accordance with the Unified Command Plan, combatant commands are established by the President through the Secretary of Defense, with the advice and assistance of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Commanders of unified commands may establish subordinate unified commands when so authorized by the Secretary of Defense through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Joint task forces can be established by the Secretary of Defense, a combatant commander, subordinate unified commander, or an existing joint task force commander.
b. Basis for Establishing Joint Forces. Joint forces can be established on either a geographic area or functional basis.
Geographic Area. Establishing a joint force on a geographic area basis is the most common method to assign responsibility for continuing operations. The commander of a combatant command established on an area basis is assigned a geographic area by the establishing authority. The title of the areas and their delineation are prescribed in the establishing directive. A JFC assigned a geographic area is considered an area commander. Note: Only commanders of combatant commands are assigned AORs. Subordinate joint force commanders are normally Joint Operation Areas (JOAs).
Functional. Sometimes a joint force based solely on military functions without respect to a specific geographic region is more suitable in order to fix responsibility for certain types of continuing operations (e.g., the unified commands for transportation, space, special operations, and strategic operations). The commander of a joint force established on a functional basis is assigned a functional responsibility by the establishing authority.
Organizing Joint Forces: A joint task force (JTF) is a
joint force that is constituted and so designated by the Secretary
of Defense, a combatant commander, a subordinate unified command
commander, or an existing joint task force commander. A JTF
may be established on a geographical area or functional basis
when the mission has a specific limited objective and does
not require overall centralized control of logistics.
501.32 ·Summarize JTF command relationships.
A Joint Task Force (JTF) is a joint force that is constituted and so designated by the Secretary of Defense, a combatant commander, a subordinate unified command commander, or an existing joint task force commander. (A naval force consisting of Navy and Marine Corps forces does not by itself constitute a joint task force.)
501.33 Summarize combined Task Force organizational structures.
In general the term Combined refers to two or more
forces or agencies of two or more allies. (When all allies or
services are not involved, the participating nations and services
shall be identified; e.g., Combined Navies.) (Joint Pub 1-02)
Could find nothing else that specifically addressed this topic.
501.34 Summarize combined Task Force command relationships
National Goals. No two nations share exactly the same reasons
for entering a coalition or alliance. To some degree, participation
within an alliance or coalition requires the subordination of
national autonomy by member nations. The glue that binds the
multinational force is agreement, however tenuous, on common goals
and objectives. However, different national goals, often unstated,
cause each nation to measure progress in its own way. Each nation,
therefore, can produce differing perceptions of progress. JFCs
should strive to understand each nation's goals and how those
goals can affect conflict termination and the desired end state.
Maintaining cohesion and unity of effort requires understanding
and adjusting to the perceptions and needs of member nations.
Motivations of member nations may differ, but multinational
objectives should be attainable, clearly defined by the commander
or leadership structure of the multinational force, and supported
by each member nation. Commanders of multinational forces
should carefully consider the types of missions assigned to member
forces. Capabilities will often differ substantially between national
forces, but sensitivity to and consideration of national honor,
pride, and prestige will often be as important to final success
as the contributions and capabilities of the national forces themselves.
Small decisions, such as which national forces are involved in
the main effort or perhaps play the lead role at the start of
an offensive, can have major consequences in multinational operations.
501.4 Comprehend how the US military is organized to plan,
execute, sustain, and train for joint and multinational operations
[I.1(e)].
501.41 Explain the significance of the terms apportioned,
assigned, and allocated as they relate to the forces a CINC has
to plan and execute missions.
Assigned forces are those forces that have been placed under the combatant command (command authority) of a unified commander by the Secretary of Defense in his "Forces For Unified Commands" memo. Forces and resources so assigned are available for normal peacetime operations of that command.
Apportioned forces and resources are those made available for deliberate planning as of a certain date. They may include those assigned, those expected through mobilization, and those programmed. They are apportioned by the JSCP for use in developing deliberate plans and may be more or less than those allocated for execution planning.
Allocated forces and resources are those provided by the NCA
for execution planning or actual implementation. The allocation
of forces and resources is accomplished through procedures established
for crisis action planning.
501.42 Define assigned, implied, and subsidiary tasks and
explain how they are related to each other.
Assigned Tasks are those directed by a superior to a subordinate.
I could not find any definitions of implied or subsidiary tasks
anywhere in the five joint publications reference in this lesson.
501.43 ·Summarize how CINCs, JTFs, and Components are
organized for joint, multinational, and interagency operations.
Functional and Service components of the joint force conduct
subordinate and supporting operations, not independent campaigns.
Joint force commanders (JFCs) synchronize the actions of air,
land, sea, space, and special operations forces to achieve strategic
and operational objectives through integrated, joint campaigns
and major operations. The goal is to increase the total effectiveness
of the joint force, not necessarily to involve all forces or to
involve all forces equally. The authority vested in a commander
must be commensurate with the responsibility assigned. All
Service forces (except as noted in title 10, US Code, section
162) are assigned to combatant commands by the Secretary
of Defense "Forces for Unified Commands" memorandum.
A force assigned or attached to a combatant command may be
transferred from that command only as directed by the Secretary
of Defense and under procedures prescribed by the Secretary of
Defense and approved by the President. Establishing authorities
for subordinate unified commands and joint task forces may direct
the assignment or attachment of their forces to those subordinate
commands as appropriate. When forces are transferred, the command
relationship the gaining commander will exercise over those forces
must be specified. Planning for employment of joint teams begins
with articulating and understanding the objective, purpose of
the operations, and commander's intent (the commander's vision
of the end state to be achieved). JFCs issue prioritized mission-type
orders to subordinate commanders and define command relationships
to facilitate mission accomplishment consistent with their concept
of operations.
501.44 Summarize the role of the regional and functional
CINCs in today's environment.
A JFC has the authority to organize forces to best accomplish the assigned mission based on the concept of operations. The organization should be sufficiently flexible to meet the planned phases of the contemplated operations and any development that may necessitate a change in plan. The JFC will establish subordinate commands, assign responsibilities, establish or delegate appropriate command and support relationships, and establish coordinating instructions for the component commanders.
Sound organization should provide for unity of effort, centralized
planning, and decentralized execution. Unity of effort is
necessary for effectiveness and efficiency. Centralized planning
is essential for controlling and coordinating the efforts of the
forces. Decentralized execution is essential because no
one commander can control the detailed actions of a large number
of units or individuals. When organizing joint forces with
multi-national forces, simplicity and clarity are critical.
Complex or unclear command relationships or organization are counterproductive
to developing synergy among multinational forces.
501.45 Describe the organizational structure of the regional
and functional CINCs.
Geographic Area (Regional) Establishing a joint force on a geographic area basis is the most common method to assign responsibility for continuing operations. The commander of a combatant command established on an area basis is assigned a geographic area by the establishing authority. The title of the areas and their delineation are prescribed in the establishing directive. A JFC assigned a geographic area is considered an area commander. Note: Only commanders of combatant commands are assigned AORs. Subordinate joint force commanders are normally Joint Operations Areas (JOAs). The boundaries defining these AORs are not intended to delineate restrictive geographic AORs. Commanders may operate forces wherever required to accomplish their missions.
Functional. Sometimes a joint force based solely on military
functions without respect to a specific geographic region is more
suitable in order to fix responsibility for certain types
of continuing operations (e.g., the unified commands for transportation,
space, special operations, and strategic operations). The commander
of a joint force established on a functional basis is assigned
a functional responsibility by the establishing authority.
501.46 ·Explain how regional and functional CINCs are
organized to execute JSCP taskings.
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff organizes the joint planning and execution community (JPEC) for joint operation planning by establishing supported and supporting command relationships between the combatant commands. The supported commander is the combatant commander having primary responsibility for all aspects of a task assigned by the JSCP or other joint operation planning authority. Supporting commanders provide augmentation forces or other support to a designated supported commander or commanders to develop supporting plans. Such support is provided in accordance with the principles set forth in Joint Pub 0-2, "Unified Action Armed Forces (UNAAF)," and may include the preparation of plans that support the joint operation plan of the supported commander.
a. The term "unified action" is a broad generic term referring to the wide scope of activities (including the synchronization of the activities of governmental and nongovernmental agencies) taking place within unified commands, subordinate unified commands, or joint task forces under the overall direction of the commanders of those commands. Within this general category of operations, subordinate commanders of forces conduct either single-Service or joint operations to support the overall operation.
It integrates joint, single-Service, special, and supporting operations;
in conjunction with interagency, nongovernmental, private voluntary
organizations, multinational, or United Nations (UN) operations,
into a unity of effort in the theater or joint operations area.
Unified action within the military element of national power supports
the national strategic unity of effort through close coordination
with the other instruments of national power as they apply within
the theater environment and its unity of effort.
501.47 ·Comprehend functional CINCs current Joint Training
Program.
OVERVIEW OF JOINT TRAINING
OBJECTIVES and SOBs removed per ACSC updated
lesson plan.
501.6 Comprehend how national intelligence organizations
support JFCs [I.4(d)].
National-level intelligence agencies and organizations that can support military operations should make that support available. A part of the responsibility of a national agency should be support of those military instruments of policy that are being applied for national purposes. Additionally, they should assist in identifying other potential intelligence requirements that may be addressable through their capabilities.
501.7 Comprehend how command, control, communications, computers,
and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems
apply at all levels of war [1.5(b)].
Section attention - not in toolbook version of lesson plan.
Needed for lesson completion.
501.71 Explain how the National Military Command and Control
(NMCC) system is organized to aid both strategic and operational
players during crisis situations.
During the initial phase of crisis action planning, events that have potential national security implications are detected, reported, and assessed to determine whether a military response may be required. The focus of this phase of crisis action planning is on the combatant commander in whose area the event occurs and who will be responsible for the execution of any military response. The combatant commander may be the first to detect and report the event to the NMCC. However, crisis action planning may be initiated by a report to the NMCC from any of the national means used to continuously monitor the worldwide situation. If not included within the initial report, the supported commander prepares and submits an assessment of the event to the NCA and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The assessment normally includes amplifying information regarding the situation, actions being taken, forces available, expected time for earliest commitment of forces, and major constraints on the employment of forces. If the time sensitivity of the situation is such that normal CAP procedures cannot be followed, the commander's assessment may also include a recommended COA. It then serves as the commander's estimate normally prepared in a subsequent phase of crisis action planning. The situation development phase ends when the supported commander's assessment is submitted to the NCA and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Crisis Assessment. During the crisis assessment phase of
crisis action planning, the NCA, the Chairman, and the other
members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff analyze the situation through
available intelligence and determine whether a military option
should be prepared. This phase is characterized by increased
information and intelligence gathering, NCA review of options,
and preparatory action by the JPEC. The phase begins with the
receipt of the supported commander's report and assessment of
the event. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in coordination
with the other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, assesses
the situation from a military perspective and provides advice
to the NCA on possible military options. The NCA identify national
interests and objectives and consider possible diplomatic, informational,
economic, and military alter-natives to achieve objectives. The
flexibility of the CAP provides the latitude for the NCA to remain
in this phase pending additional information, return to the pre-crisis
situation, or progress to the next phase of CAP. (JP 5-0)
501.72 Explain how NMCC communicates and disseminates information
to both strategic and operational players during peace and crisis
situations.
Information above is all I could locate on this subject.
501.73 Describe how the Global Command and Control System
(GCCS) is used to implement strategic command and control.
Global Command and Control System (GCCS). The GCCS is replacing
WWMCCS. GCCS furnishes warfighters at all levels with needed
connectivity, rapid access, flexibility, and simplicity in operations
for a comprehensive, inter-operable, global command and control
capability.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Comprehend the concepts and processes involved in developing joint doctrine, creating joint command relationships, and assessing joint readiness.
Comprehend the concepts and processes involved in planning and training for participation in joint activities and the processes used by combatant commanders to assess joint readiness.
Comprehend how campaign concepts are used at the operational level
of warfare.
READINGS: Changes: Three reading added to this lesson.
Joint Pub 0-2, Unified Action Armed Forces, 24 Feb 1995.
Joint Pub 1, Joint Warfare of the Armed Forces of the United States,
10 Jan 1995.
New. Joint Pub 3-0, Doctrine for Joint Operations, 1 Feb 95.
New. Joint Pub 5-0, Doctrine for Planning Joint Operations, 13
Apr 95.
New. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Manual 3500.03, 1 June 96.
READING RATIONALE: Changes: Two reading rationales tailored to match lesson. Three reading rationales added.
Joint Pub 0-2, Unified Action Armed Forces, provides command relationships and authority for key players in the joint doctrine, planning, programming, and operations processes. This is the action publication for this lesson. Read it and refer back to it often. Notice that the introduction section differs from other joint publications -- they did this for a reason.
Joint Pub 1, Joint Warfare of the Armed Forces of the United States, outlines and introduces the roles and relationships of national leadership, combatant commanders, joint force commanders, and service components. This document relates a lot of material from the other ACSC courses. Things like the principles of war will be translated into fundamental concepts for joint warfare. You should refer back to this document when some of the lower level documents begin to lose their focus by trying to cover the myriad of details in the changing strategic environment.
Joint Pub 3-0, Doctrine for Joint Operations, 1 Feb 95, describes joint operations from the operator's point of view. Important themes include levels of war, commander's intent (center of gravity, phasing, and end state), planning joint operations and multinational operations. Be sure to study chapter IV for this lesson.
Joint Pub 5-0, Doctrine for Planning Joint Operations, 13 Apr 95, describes two planning processes - deliberate and crisis action. Using the notions of campaign planning, the JSCP tasked deliberate plans are the basis for crisis action plans and resulting operations orders. The publication presents the details on the relationship between JSCP and types of deliberate plans. The publication also presents the details on the planning terminology used to divide-up forces. Finally, key on the command and control structures used by the NCA and warfighters. Study chapters I and II for this lesson.
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Manual 3500.03, 1 June 96, provides
the details of joint training. Read to get a good grasp on the
nomenclature used. You need to know this in order to communicate.
Study Chapter III. Key on the phases of the training system. Skip
Appendices.
LESSON OUTLINE:
Thesis: Changes add more material:
The Unified Action Armed Forces (UNAAF) and Unified Command Plan (UCP) govern the organization and development of command relationships within the US military. Structuring forces to meet our security needs is a vitally important task because the US has limited forces and capabilities to meet global security concerns. Several C4ISR systems, including the NMCC and GCCS are command system essentials. By understanding the roles and structures of the regional and functional CINCs, we can better appreciate opportunities for synergism in organization forms and functions at the operational level.
Added material: Planning and training become important tasks for
the CINCs. In peacetime, planning and training are the premiums
we pay to ensure a favorable outcome during conflict.
Main Point I: The capabilities and limitations of US military
forces
a. The relationship of UCP to national security strategy
b. The issue of two MRCs
c. The issue of forces forward versus CONUS basing (strategic
lift limitations)
Main Point II: The purpose, roles, functions, and relationships of the NCA, NSC, CJCS, CINCs, JFCs and Service Chiefs
Main Point III: The organizational framework for joint forces
employment
a. Dividing world into CINC AORs; boundary issues
b. Relationship of Services to CINCs
Main Point IV: Joint Force command relationships and directives
a. Three JTF organizational structures
b. Command relationships; COCOM, OPCON, and TACON
c. Combined Task force organizations and command relationships
Main Point V: The role of regional CINCs in today's security environment
a. Warfighting and non-warfighting responsibilities
b. Joint Force integrators and trainers
c. Regional CINCs as supporting commands
Main Point VI: The structure of the regional CINCs
Main Point VII: The role of functional CINCs in today's security
environment
a. Warfighting and non-warfighting responsibilities
b. USACOM Joint Force integrators and trainers
Main Point VIII: The structure of the functional CINCs
Main Point IX: The role, structure, and process of the NMCC, GCCS,
and other C4ISR systems in the joint command environment
LESSON INTEGRATION AND RATIONALE:
This lesson provides essential background information used in the three following joint operations lessons. By focusing first on joint organizations, command structures and key players, we will better understand their interrelationships in future lessons regarding doctrine, planning, and operations.
LESSON OPR: Joint Operations and Campaign Studies Department
ATTACHMENT 1: JOINT COMMAND STRUCTURES DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
These questions are designed to be food for thought. They may
or may not be representative of actual test questions, and are
not all-inclusive. The answers to all these questions may be found
in one or more of the presented materials, so it is highly recommended
that you review all the lesson material prior to answering the
questions.