VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
1250 COMMAND IN SUBMARINE OPERATIONS
Traditionally, submarine operations have been conducted independent of aircraft and surface ships,
and have required a centralized command system. Improvements in submarine communication
capabilities along with refocusing of maritime objectives have brought about much closer cooperation and
interoperability of submarines and other maritime forces. Shifting of tactical command or control to an
OTC for coordinated operations between submarines and surface and/or air forces is highly desirable in
many scenarios. Procedures and requirements of the shifting of tactical command and control are
contained in ATP 18. The submarine operating authority (SUBOPAUTH) is the commander who has, as a
minimum, operational control of submarines, and has the authority to delegate tactical command or
control. The SUBOPAUTH is normally the submarine force commander. When he is the area submarine
commander, the SUBOPAUTH is responsible to the area commander.
1251 AUTHORITIES FOR SUBMARINE MOVEMENTS
Authorities who have responsibilities with regard to submarine movements are the Submarine
Movement Advisory Authorities (SMAAs), Submarine Exercise Area Coordinators (SEACs), and
Submarine Operating Authorities (SUB-OPAUTHs). (See Article 6771.)
1252 — 1259 SPARE
1260 COMMAND IN AMPHIBIOUS WARFARE
The Commander Amphibious Task Force (CATF), upon the commencement of operations,
assumes responsibility for the entire force and for the operation, and is vested with the commensurate
authority to ensure success of the operation. The specific means through which CATF exercises this
authority during an amphibious operation is set forth in ATP 8 and other relevant amphibious warfare
publications. For detailed responsibilities in amphibious warfare, which are complex and involve close
cooperation between many agencies, a summary has been included in Chapter 11.
1261 PARALLEL CHAINS OF COMMAND
The interrelation of naval and landing force tasks during the planning for an execution of
amphibious operations requires the establishment of parallel chains of command and corresponding
commanders at all levels of the amphibious task force organization. The following fundamental
considerations govern the application of such a system of parallel command:
a. Except during the planning phase, CATF, a naval officer, is responsible for the operation and
exercises that degree of authority over the entire force necessary to ensure success of the operation.
b. The amphibious task force and landing force commands are on corresponding level of command
with regard to their respective components.
c. Corresponding commanders are established at each subordinate level of both the amphibious
task force and landing force elements.
d. Matters of command which affect only the Navy forces are dealt with by CATF through the naval
chain of command.
e. Matters of command which affect only the landing forces are dealt with by the Commander
Landing Force (CLF) through the landing force chain of command.
f. Matters of command which affect both the naval force and the landing force are dealt with
through the corresponding naval and landing force chains of command. Commanders at all levels are
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