JP 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States - Defense ...

Joint Command and Control
(5) The degree of authority granted to the supported commander over the
supporting effort.
d. Unless limited by the establishing directive, the supported commander will have the
authority to exercise general direction of the supporting effort. General direction includes
the designation and prioritization of targets or objectives, timing and duration of the
supporting action, and other instructions necessary for coordination and efficiency.
e. The supporting commander determines the forces, tactics, methods, procedures, and
communications to be employed in providing this support. The supporting commander will
advise and coordinate with the supported commander on matters concerning the employment
and limitations (e.g., sustainment) of such support, assist in planning for the integration of
such support into the supported commander’s effort as a whole, and ensure that support
requirements are appropriately communicated within the supporting commander’s
organization.
f. The supporting commander has the responsibility to ascertain the needs of the
supported force and take action to fulfill them within existing capabilities, consistent with
priorities and requirements assigned tasks.
g. There are four categories of support that a CCDR may exercise over assigned or
attached forces to ensure the appropriate level of support is provided to accomplish mission
objectives. They are: general support, mutual support, direct support, and close support.
For example, land forces that provide fires normally are tasked in a direct support role.
Figure V-2 summarizes each of the categories of support. The establishing directive will
specify the type and extent of support the specified forces are to provide.
For further information, see Appendix A, “Establishing Directive (Support Relationship)
Considerations.”
6. Support Relationships Between Combatant Commanders
a. SecDef establishes support relationships between the CCDRs for the planning and
execution of joint operations. This ensures that the supported CCDR receives the necessary
support. A supported CCDR requests capabilities, tasks supporting DOD components,
coordinates with the appropriate USG departments and agencies (where agreements have
been established), and develops a plan to achieve the common goal. As part of the team
effort, supporting CCDRs provide the requested capabilities, as available, to assist the
supported CCDR to accomplish missions requiring additional resources.
b. The CJCS organizes the JPEC for joint operation planning to carry out support
relationships between the CCMDs. The supported CCDR has primary responsibility for all
aspects of an assigned task. Supporting CCDRs provide forces, assistance, or other
resources to a supported CCDR. Supporting CCDRs prepare supporting plans as required.
Under some circumstances, a CCDR may be a supporting CCDR for one operation while
being a supported CCDR for another.
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