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

Doctrine Governing Unified Direction of Armed Forces
(a) An alliance is a relationship that results from a formal agreement (e.g.,
treaty) between two or more nations for broad, long-term objectives that further the common
interests of the members. Operations conducted with units from two or more allies are
referred to as combined operations.
(b) A coalition is an ad hoc arrangement between two or more nations for
common action. Coalitions are formed by different nations with specific objectives, usually
for a single occasion or for longer cooperation in a narrow sector of common interest.
Operations conducted with units from two or more coalition members are referred to as
coalition operations.
(3) Cultural, psychological, religious, economic, technological, informational, and
political factors as well as transnational dangers all impact multinational operations. Many
contingency plans to deter or counter threats are prepared within the context of a treaty or
alliance framework. Sometimes they are developed in a less structured coalition framework,
based on temporary agreements or arrangements. Much of the information and guidance
provided for unified action and joint operations are applicable to multinational operations.
However, differences in laws, doctrine, organization, weapons, equipment, terminology,
culture, politics, religion, and language within alliances and coalitions must be considered.
Normally, each alliance or coalition develops its own plans and orders to guide multinational
action.
(4) No single command structure best fits the needs of all alliances and coalitions.
Each coalition or alliance will create the structure that best meets the objectives, political
realities, and constraints of the participating nations. Political considerations heavily
influence the ultimate shape of the command structure. However, participating nations
should strive to achieve unity of effort for the operation to the maximum extent possible,
with missions, tasks, responsibilities, and authorities clearly defined and understood by all
participants. While command relationships are well defined in US doctrine, they are not
necessarily part of the doctrinal lexicon of nations in an alliance or coalition.
b. Multinational Unity of Effort. Attaining unity of effort through unity of command
for a multinational operation may not be politically feasible, but it should be a goal. There
must be a common understanding among all national forces of the overall aim of the MNF
and the plan for its attainment. A coordinated policy, particularly on such matters as
multinational force commanders’ (MNFCs’) authority over national logistics (including
infrastructure), ROE, fratricide prevention, and ISR is essential for unity of effort. While the
tenets discussed below cannot guarantee success, ignoring them may lead to mission failure
due to a lack of unity of effort.
(1) Respect. In assigning missions, the commander must consider that national
honor and prestige may be as important to a contributing nation as combat capability. All
partners must be included in the planning process and their opinions must be sought in
mission assignment. Understanding, consideration, and acceptance of partner ideas are
essential to effective communication across cultures, as are respect for each partner’s culture,
religion, customs, history, and values. Junior officers in command of small national
II-21