VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

inform the operational control authority of changes in the composition of their forces and major deviations
from their normal capabilities.
1215 TACTICAL COMMAND
The authority delegated to a commander to assign tasks to forces under his command for the
accomplishment of the mission assigned by higher authority.
It involves, therefore, the responsibility for the conduct of the tasks pertaining to the mission; that is,
issuing detailed orders and ensuring their correct execution. It also involves responsibility for the general
safety of assigned units, although ultimate responsibility remains with the commanding officers. Tactical
command of units temporarily attached does not include the authority to give them tasks inconsistent with
the mission previously allocated to them.
NOTE
Tactical command of forces also includes retention or assignment of tactical control.
1216 OFFICER IN TACTICAL COMMAND (OTC)
The OTC is the senior officer present eligible to assume command or the officer to whom he has
delegated tactical command.
When a task organization is established, the commander (OTC) shall be named in the order creating
it. If the OTC is unable to exercise command, the next senior officer present in the task organization will
assume and retain command until or unless otherwise ordered. When a task organization has not been
established and the higher authority has not selected the OTC, the senior officer present eligible to
command will act as OTC.
The OTC will normally be under the operational control of a higher authority (i.e., fleet commander
or area commander). That authority will provide direction which specifies the mission, tasking, and forces
assigned to the OTC and will also delegate tactical command and control of those forces to the OTC. That
authority may designate himself, the task force/group commander, or another command as appropriate, to
be OTC of the constituted force(s) or group(s). The OTC must design his command and control
organization to accomplish the assigned mission and effectively defend the force. Article 1202 states that
exercising command presupposes the existence of a chain of command. Some functions arising from
direction, coordination, or control may be delegated to subordinates.
1217 TACTICAL CONTROL (TACON)
The detailed and usually local direction and control of movements or maneuvers necessary to
accomplish missions or tasks assigned.
This authority is granted by the authority exercising operational command, operational control, or
tactical command to a subordinate commander to assume some function concerning direction,
coordination, or control of movements, maneuvers, and actions relative to a specific task. The officer
exercising tactical control is also responsible for the safety of the units under his control. Tactical control is
usually assigned to a subordinate for a limited period of time to conduct a specific mission or task.
NOTE
Tactical control is subordinate to tactical command.
MTP 1(D), Vol. I
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