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

Planning and Execution Considerations
(4) Strategic objectives and broad tasks for the MNTF with guidance for
termination or transition.
(5) Participating nations and expected initial contributions.
(6) Designated LN and supporting guidance.
(7) Common security interests.
(8) Multinational communications strategy.
(9) Specific diplomatic, economic, and informational guidance and national
limitations, concerns, or sensitivities.
d. When dealing with partner nations, sensitivities and cultural differences must be
recognized and acknowledged and procedures developed to mitigate or minimize additional
conflict between nations. Some planning considerations for multinational operations may
include culture, diet, alcohol consumption policies, male/female cohabitation policies, work
hours, leave, and other duty limitations.
e. Maintaining a cohesive MNF may require the MNF commander’s continual attention
as nearly every action or event may impact national military and political interests and may
compete for primacy with the MNF’s objective and end state. In some cases, national
restrictions may seem wholly out of line with national contributions. This tension between
national elements is not new, and commanders at all levels should be prepared to deal with it.
As discussed earlier, nations join multinational efforts for a variety of reasons, both known
and unknown. National will, popular support, and the perceived achievement of stated
objectives are just some of the factors that might influence continued national participation.
However, thorough pre-mission preparation and planning can pay significant dividends later
as the MNFC faces the challenge of maintaining a stable MNF.
3. Mission Analysis and Assignment of Tasks
a. The MNFC’s staff should conduct a detailed mission analysis. This is one of the
most important tasks in planning multinational operations and should result in a revised
mission statement, commander’s intent, and the MNFC’s planning guidance. As part of the
mission analysis, force requirements should be identified; standards for participation
published (e.g., training-level competence and logistics, including deployment, sustainment,
and redeployment capabilities); and funding requests, certification procedures, and force
commitments solicited from an alliance or likely coalition partners.
b. Before the MNTF staff can develop proposed courses of action (COAs), the MNFC
must conduct an estimate of the situation. This will allow the MNFC to analyze, in an
organized manner, the many 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. Additionally, expected interagency
contributions and involvement of each nation should be addressed. This is a critical step as
each nation determines its contribution to the operation. National force commitments, even
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