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

Planning and Execution Considerations
operational, and tactical) should be a consideration during planning and throughout
execution.
b. Communications requirements vary with the mission, size, composition, geography,
and location of the MNF. It is critical that operations and communications planners begin
the coordination process early to ensure both US and MNF communication requirements are
identified and sourced prior to operations. Interoperability is often constrained by the least
technologically proficient participant. Effective communications support enables control
over diverse, widely dispersed air, maritime, ground, and space elements. Access to both
military and commercial satellites should be an early planning requirement to support widely
dispersed elements. The MNFC should address the need for integrated communications
among all participating forces early in the planning phase of the operation. MNF planning
and technical communications systems control centers should be established as soon as
possible to coordinate all communications.
For more information regarding frequency management, refer to JP 6-01, Joint
Electromagnetic Spectrum Management Operations.
c. In all multinational operations a broadband, unclassified network will be a critical
requirement for multinational coordination with all actors within the MNF OA. The IHC
and affected nations’ governments and militaries will normally use unclassified,
commercially encrypted networks as their primary collaboration and coordination tool. US
forces should be able to integrate with MNFs to support collaboration needed to conduct
multinational operations. US forces should expect to use SIPRNET solely for US-specific
communication and tasks not suitable for execution in a multination information sharing
environment. Satellite access to broadband Internet capability must be planned as an
operational necessity, if not currently available within the MNF OA.
d. LNO teams should be sent to other MNF HQ to facilitate integration of operations.
These LNO teams should deploy with sufficient communications equipment to conduct
operations with their respective HQ. Consideration should also be given to possible
degradation of communications due to the extended distances over which the MNF may
operate and the impact of enemy exploitation of the electromagnetic spectrum. Urban
operations present other difficulties due to interference from physical structures or frequency
overlaps. Planning for communications support also includes provisions which allow
execution of required communications under adverse conditions. Additionally, US law
requires prior international and implementing agreements defining quid pro quo payments
for allied use of the Defense Information Systems Network and military satellite
communications assets.
e. Secure C2 systems are vital to the execution of MNF operations to avoid conflict and
increase mutual understanding. The goal of secure C2 interoperability within an MNF is to
develop greater cooperation through improved technical capability, system interdependence,
and SA in the OA.
f. Communications Security Release to Foreign Nations Policy. Disclosing, releasing
and transferring products or associated COMSEC information to foreign governments is
III-21