VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
(2) The threat.
(3) Need for quick action or reaction.
(4) Necessity to carry out many actions in different places at the same time.
(5) Practical inability of the OTC to exercise all functions because of excessive workload or the requirements
of some actions for specific knowledge of facilities.
(6) Lack of appropriate command, control, and communications facilities.
(7) Force size and composition.
1303 — 1304 SPARE
1305 COMMAND AND CONTROL OPTIONS
The OTC is always responsible for formulating and promulgating policy. Other OTC functions,
including warfare functions, may, based on factors stated in Article 1302, be delegated to subordinates
within the constraints of the Rules of Engagement (ROE) in force and stated policy. For the three principal
warfare areas, the OTC has the following options:
a. The OTC retains command in the principal areas of warfare by retaining all the warfare
functions.
b. The OTC delegates to one subordinate commander one or more warfare functions.
c. The OTC delegates to more than one subordinate commander several warfare functions.
d. The OTC delegates to subordinates within geographic areas (or sectors) warfare functions
relevant to that area, but may retain any part of the overall function for himself. This form of delegation can
be used by a principal warfare commander as well, if so assigned.
e. A special form of delegation as described in item b. is that the OTC of a large force may allocate
all his warfare functions for the defense of a force to a Composite Warfare Commander (CWC) while
retaining overall responsibility for the mission. The CWC may, in turn, delegate some or all warfare
functions as described above.
NOTE
Item a. describes centralized command while options in items b. through e. all describe forms
of decentralized command.
1306 RESPONSIBILITIES
a. OTC’s Responsibilities. The OTC has overall responsibility for accomplishing the mission
of the force and for executing defense. The OTC’s policy and procedure for succession of command
authority as well as designation of the standby OTC should be specified in advance of the operation in the
OTC’s orders. The OTC shall specify the chain of command between himself and, when designated, the
CWC, principal warfare commanders, coordinators, supporting commanders, and the forces under their
tactical command and/or control. This may be done by task number designation or by stipulating which
task groups, units, or elements are designated for each commander. The detailed OTC’s responsibilities for
mission execution and defense of the force are listed in Table 1-1 and those for a convoy operation in Table
1-9 and mine warfare in Table 1-11. The OTC’s responsibilities cannot be delegated.
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