VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
SECTION VII — GUIDELINES FOR MULTINATIONAL EMBARGO OPERATIONS
8700 GENERAL
Embargo/Peacekeeping operations are invariably prompted by political/diplomatic considerations
and as such are characterized by the following:
a. Offensive Action. Offensive or aggressive action is unlikely to be permitted as a first resort.
Indeed a de-escalatory posture may be ordered initially. Nonetheless, diplomatic developments may eventually
require retaliatory/punitive action.
b. Enemy. There is unlikely to be a force or group who can be treated as an enemy in the traditional
manner.
c. Forces and Groups. The forces and groups in the area of operations may be aligned on national,
ethnic or religious lines. In the latter cases this may cut across established national boundaries. This
may in turn lead to ambivalent attitudes from neighboring states and action may be necessary with respect
to apparently third party nations.
d. Rules of Engagement (ROE). Freedom of action by own forces will be determined by ROE,
probably dictated by diplomatic rather than military imperatives.
e. Central Control. In addition to the prohibitions imposed by ROE, there are likely to be other
considerations in which real time consultation is necessary both with a shore-based chain of command and
non-military directing bodies (e.g., UN) before action is permitted
f. Multinational Forces. The forces involved in enforcing any internationally directed sanctions
are themselves likely to be international in composition. They will therefore contain disparate and dissimilar
units with varying degrees and areas of expertise. This will in turn impact on ROE interpretation, force
disposition, force cohesiveness, tactics and procedures and prevention of mutual interference.
g. Joint Operations. Embargo operations are most likely to be “joint” by nature. Command relationships
(AJP 1) will reflect this. Maritime forces will require the support of other services, including civil
authorities, to achieve their mission, much as they will require maritime support to achieve their own.
h. Geographical Constraints. Action in pursuit of the diplomatic aims of any operation is
likely to be only permissible within a defined geographic area. There is a high probability that this area will
include littoral waters.
i. Political Constraints. The level of involvement by individual allied nations may differ due to
national commitments and policy. The degree of willingness to accept damage and casualties will be a key
factor.
j. The Media. Any operation is likely to take place under the spotlight of international media and
indeed use of the media must be part of the Commander’s concept of operations. Consequently media perception
of the results of military decisions at all levels must always be a consideration.
8701 SCOPE OF OPERATIONS
While the nature of each individual operation is likely to have unique aspects, in all likelihood unforeseen
until the inception of the task, there are equally likely to be common threads running through each
operation. In broad terms the task will fall under the general headings described in NATO CONMAROPS.
8-36 CHANGE 1