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

Executive Summary
All functions in the
Department of Defense and
its component agencies are
performed under the authority,
direction, and control of the
Secretary of Defense (SecDef).
Staff, the CCMDs, the Inspector General,
agencies/bureaus, field activities, and such other offices,
agencies, activities, and commands established or
designated by law, by the President, or by SecDef. As
prescribed by higher authority, DOD will maintain and
employ Armed Forces to: support and defend the
Constitution of the US against all enemies, foreign and
domestic; ensure, by timely and effective military action,
the security of the US, its territories, and areas vital to its
interest; and uphold and advance the national policies and
interests of the US.
Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) The JCS consists of the CJCS; the Vice Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff; the Chief of Staff, US Army; the
The Joint Staff supports the Chief of Naval Operations; the Chief of Staff, US Air
JCS and constitutes the Force; the Commandant of the Marine Corps; and the
immediate SecDef military staff. Chief, National Guard Bureau. The CJCS is the principal
military advisor to the President, National Security
Council, Homeland Security Council, and SecDef.
Common Functions of the
Services and the United States
Special Operations Command
Combatant Commanders
Subject to the authority, direction, and control of SecDef
and subject to the provisions of Title 10, USC, the Army,
Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force, under their
respective Secretaries, are responsible for the functions
prescribed in detail in Department of Defense Directive
5100.01, Functions of the DOD and Its Major
Components. USSOCOM is unique among the CCMDs
in that it performs certain Service-like functions (in areas
unique to SO) (Title 10, USC, Sections 161 and 167).
Geographic combatant commanders (GCCs) are
assigned a geographic area of responsibility (AOR) by
the President with the advice of SecDef as specified in
the UCP. GCCs are responsible for the missions in their
AOR, unless otherwise directed. Functional combatant
commanders (FCCs) have transregional responsibilities
and are normally supporting CCDRs to the GCC’s
activities in their AOR. FCCs may conduct operations as
directed by the President or SecDef, in coordination with
the GCC in whose AOR the operation will be conducted.
SecDef or Deputy Secretary of Defense may assign a
CCDR global synchronizer responsibilities. The global
synchronizer’s role is to align and harmonize plans and
recommend sequencing of actions to achieve the strategic
end states and objectives of a global campaign plan.
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