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

Chapter V
activities span many organizational levels, but the focus is on the interaction between
SecDef and CCDRs, which ultimately helps the President and SecDef decide when,
where, and how to commit US military capabilities. The interactive and collaborative
process at the national level guides the way in which planning and execution occur
throughout the Armed Forces.
For further guidance on joint operation and campaign planning, refer to JP 5-0, Joint
Operation Planning.
13. Organization for Joint Command and Control
Component and supporting commands’ organizations and capabilities must be integrated
into a joint organization that enables effective and efficient joint C2. The C2 structure is
centered on the JFC’s mission and CONOPS; available forces and capabilities; and joint
force staff composition, capabilities, location, and facilities. The JFC should be guided in
this effort by the following principles:
a. Simplicity. Unity of command must be maintained through an unambiguous chain
of command, well-defined command relationships, and clear delineation of responsibilities
and authorities. The JFC staff does not have direct authority over any subordinate
commander’s staffs. The component staffs work solely for the component commander.
b. Span of Control. The desired reach of the JFC’s authority and direction over
assigned or attached forces will vary depending on the mission and the JFC’s ability to C2
the actions required. Span of control is based on many factors, including the number of
subordinates, number of activities, range of weapon systems, force capabilities, size and
complexity of the operational area, and method used to control operations (centralized or
decentralized).
c. Unit Integrity. Component forces should remain organized as designed and in the
manner accustomed through training to maximize effectiveness. However, if a JFC desires
to reorganize component units, it should be done only after careful consultation and
coordination with the Service component commander.
d. Interoperability. C2 capabilities within joint force headquarters, component
commands, and supporting commands must be interoperable to facilitate control of forces.
The simplest and most streamlined chain of command can be thwarted by an absence of
interoperability among the components’ forces and systems.
14. Joint Command and Staff Process
a. General. The nature, scope, and tempo of military operations continually changes,
requiring the commander to make new decisions and take new actions in response to these
changes. This may be viewed as part of a cycle, which is repeated when the situation
changes significantly. The cycle may be deliberate or rapid, depending on the time available.
However, effective decision making and follow-through require that the basic process be
understood by all commanders and staff officers and adapted to the prevailing situation.
Although the scope and details will vary with the level and function of the command, the
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