JP 3-16, Multinational Operations - Defense Technical Information ...

Executive Summary
factors that will affect the accomplishment of the assigned
mission(s). This estimate should address the respective
capabilities, political will, and national interests of the
MNTF components. Based upon these national
contributions, and after determining the tasks necessary to
achieve the objectives that support mission
accomplishment, the MNFC should assign specific tasks
to the elements of the MNTF most capable of completing
those tasks.
Language, Culture, and
Sovereignty
Legal
Doctrine and Training
Differing languages within an MNF can present a real
challenge to command and control, efficient
communications, and unity of effort. Wherever and
whenever possible, exchange or liaison officers or
nonmilitary translators should be used to facilitate
interaction and coordination with HN forces. Commanders
should strive to accommodate religious holidays, prayer
calls, and other unique cultural traditions important to
allies and coalition members, consistent with the situation.
Sovereignty issues will be among the most difficult
problems the MNFC may be required to mitigate. Often,
the MNFC will be required to accomplish the mission
through coordination, communication, and consensus, in
addition to traditional command concepts. Political
sensitivities must be recognized and acknowledged.
Commanders must ensure that MNTF forces comply with
applicable national and international laws during the
conduct of all military operations. US forces will comply
with the law of war (also referred to as the law of armed
conflict) during all armed conflicts and in all other
military operations. International agreements are the
primary source of rules of international law applicable to
US, multinational, and HN forces. The most
comprehensive are status-of-forces agreements (SOFAs);
however, these may be modified or become inapplicable
in time of armed conflict.
When the Armed Forces of the United States participate in
multinational operations, US commanders should follow
multinational doctrine and procedures that have been
ratified by the US. For multinational doctrine and
procedures not ratified by the US, commanders should
evaluate and follow the multinational command’s doctrine
and procedures where applicable and consistent with US
law, policy, and guidance. When the situation permits,
MNFCs at all levels should seek opportunities to improve
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