VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
SECTION II — COMMAND
1200 SCOPE
This section includes definitions for command functions. It is written to specify responsibilities in
maritime warfare, to enable commanders to issue orders and instructions to fulfill their responsibilities,
and to enable subordinates to understand and comply with the orders and instructions they receive. The
duties to execute tactical tasks are not included in this chapter but are incorporated in the relevant chapters.
Command and control functions are performed through an arrangement of personnel, equipment,
communications, facilities, and procedures which are employed by a commander in planning, directing,
coordinating, and controlling forces and operations in the accomplishment of his mission.
Note: Certain AAP-6 definitions that appear in this chapter are expanded to clarify their meaning
within the context of maritime command. However, AAP-6 definitions are unchanged and are shown in
italics. Other definitions and terms used may not presently be found in AAP-6.
1201 AUTHORITY
a. Person. An authority is a person vested with the power to make decisions and issue orders.
b. Individual Power. Authority is also the individual power to make decisions and issue related
orders imposing those decisions — such power may be limited in scope, time, and location.
c. Responsibility. Authority automatically confers the responsibility to carry out tasks and
report results to the assigning authority.
1202 COMMAND
The authority vested in an individual of the armed forces for the direction, coordination, and control
of military forces.
The aim of command is to achieve the maximum operational and/or administrative efficiency.
a. Direction. The process of planning decisionmaking, establishing priorities, formulation
policies, and imposing decision.
b. Coordination. The establishment in operations, according to a changing situation, of an
orderly correlation in time and place of planned actions in order to achieve the best overall result. In the
maritime environment, the term coordination may include certain specified control functions.
c. Control. That authority exercised by a commander over part of the activities of subordinate
organizations, or other organizations not normally under his command, which encompasses the
responsibility for implementing orders or directives. All or part of this authority may be transferred or
delegated.
d. Exercising command presupposes the existence of a chain of command and a command and
control system. Some functions arising from direction, coordination, or control may be delegated to
subordinates. This is normally done in large or widely dispersed forces where decentralized
decisionmaking is required. However, a centralized command is the most direct way of allowing a
commander to make use of his experience and ability.
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