VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

equired to maintain a close and continuous relationship to ensure that, except in emergencies, no
commander makes decisions affecting corresponding commanders without consultation. In such cases,
the commander making an emergency decision will notify corresponding commanders of his action at the
earliest practicable time.
1262 DESIGNATION OF COMMANDERS
Regardless of the composition of the amphibious task force, CATF is a naval officer designated in
the Initiating Directive. The commander of all troop components within the amphibious task force is CLF
and is also designated in the Initiating Directive. Commanders of subordinate task groups within the
amphibious task force, if they have not been named in the Initiating Directive, are designated by CATF or
CLF as appropriate. Should air forces be assigned, their commander, an air force officer, will be designated
in the Initiating Directive.
1263 RELATIONSHIPS DURING PLANNING
a. As directed by higher authority, component commanders of the amphibious task force, at the
beginning of the planning phase, report for planning purposes to CATF, who is responsible for the
preparation of the overall plan for the amphibious operation. CATF serves as the coordinating authority for
the conduct of planning. Matters on which CATF and CLF and commanders of the other forces are unable
to agree are referred to their common superior for decision.
b. Since immediate responsibility for the conduct of landing force operations ashore is vested in
CLF, the planning and execution of the landing and assault are primarily his concern. Participation of other
components in the assault consists generally in providing support for the landing force. This involves the
analysis of landing force proposals to determine their feasibility from the standpoint of the remainder of the
amphibious task force. The capability of providing the necessary support is a primary factor in evaluating
and concurring to proposed landing force plans and concepts.
1264 COMMAND DURING OPERATIONS
a. 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.
b. The specific means through which CATF exercises this authority is treated in relation to those
aspects of the amphibious operations set forth in this and subsequent paragraphs.
c. CATF exercises his command authority through the commanders of his task organization. The
latter, in turn, exercise their authority through their own chains of command.
d. Within the amphibious objective area, CATF is given specific command authority as prescribed
by the commander having overall authority for the operation. He will exercise control, as prescribed in the
Initiating Directive, over forces not a part of the amphibious task force, when such forces are operating
within the amphibious objective area after the arrival of the advance force or the amphibious task force.
When such forces are merely passing through the amphibious objective area, control will be exercised only
to the extent of preventing or minimizing mutual interference.
e. Subject to the overall authority of CATF, responsibility for the conduct of operations ashore, and for
the security of all personnel and installations located within the area of operations ashore, is vested in CLF.
1265 CONSULTATION BETWEEN COMMANDERS
MTP 1(D), Vol. I
In the exercise of his command authority, CATF, to the greatest possible extent, obtains and
considers the opinion of appropriate commanders, particularly in cases involving a decision requiring the
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