JP 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States - Defense ...

Chapter IV
(5) The degree of authority to act in the name of and for the JFC is a matter to be
specifically prescribed by the JFC.
(6) Orders and directives from a higher to a subordinate command should be issued
in the name of the JFC of the higher command to the JFC of the immediate subordinate
command and not directly to elements of that subordinate command. Exceptions may
sometimes be required under certain emergency or crisis situations. C2 of nuclear forces is
an example of one such exception.
(7) To expedite the execution of orders and directives and to promote teamwork
between commands, a JFC may authorize the command’s staff officers to communicate
directly with appropriate staff officers of other commands concerning the details of plans and
directives that have been received or are to be issued.
(8) Each staff division must coordinate its actions and planning with the other staff
directorates concerned and keep them informed of actions taken and the progress achieved.
Each general or joint staff directorate is assigned responsibility for a particular type of
problem and subject, and for coordinating the work of the special staff divisions and other
staff elements that relate to that problem or subject.
(9) Joint staff directorates and special staff sections should be limited to those
functions for which the JFC is responsible or that require the JFC’s general supervision in
the interest of unity of effort.
(10) The authority that establishes a joint force should make the provisions for
furnishing necessary personnel for the JFC’s staff.
b. Staff Organization. The staff organization should generally conform to the
principles established in this section.
(1) Principal Staff Officer. The chief of staff (COS) functions as the principal staff
officer, assistant, and advisor to the JFC. The COS coordinates and directs the work of the
staff directorates. One or more deputies to the COS and a secretary of the staff may be
provided to assist the COS in the performance of assigned duties. A deputy COS normally
should be from a Service other than that of the COS. The secretary of the staff is the
executive in the office of the COS and is responsible for routing and forwarding
correspondence and papers and maintaining office records.
(2) Personal Staff Group of the Commander. The JFC’s personal staff performs
duties prescribed by the JFC and is responsible directly to the JFC. This group, composed of
aides to the JFC and staff officers handling special matters over which the JFC exercises
close personal control will include a staff judge advocate, political advisor, PA officer,
inspector general, provost marshal, chaplain, surgeon, historian, and others as directed. JFCs
should be aware that participation in multinational operations may affect the size and
responsibilities of this group.
(3) Special Staff Group. The special staff group consists of representatives of
technical or administrative services and can include representatives from government or
IV-14 JP 1