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

Joint Command and Control
purpose is constant: analyze the situation and need for action; determine the COA best suited
for mission accomplishment; and carry out that COA, with adjustments as necessary, while
continuing to assess the unfolding situation.
b. Estimates, Decisions, and Directives. These processes are iterative, beginning with
the initial recognition that the situation has changed (e.g., change of mission, change in the
friendly or adversary situation), requiring a new decision by the commander. The staff
assembles available information regarding the adversary, friendly, and environmental
situations and assists the commander in analyzing the mission and devising COAs. The staff
then analyzes these COAs and the commander makes a decision. This decision identifies
what the command is to do and becomes the “mission” paragraph of a plan or order. An
estimate process, as described in JP 5-0, Joint Operation Planning, may be used by
commanders and staffs during the preparation of estimates and directives. Simulation and
analysis capabilities can assist in correlation of friendly and adversary strengths and
weaknesses, as well as in analysis of COAs.
c. Follow-Through. Having received and analyzed the mission, the commander
determines how it will be accomplished and directs subordinate commanders to accomplish
certain tasks that contribute to the common goal. Then the commander is responsible for
carrying out the mission to successful conclusion, using supporting staff studies,
coordination, and analysis relating to:
(1) Supervision of the conduct of operations;
(2) Changes to orders, priorities, and apportionment of support;
(3) Commitment and reconstitution of the reserve; and
task.
(4) After mission attainment, consolidation and refit in preparation for the next
15. Command and Control Support
A command and control support (C2S) system, which includes interoperable supporting
communications systems, is the JFC’s principal tool used to collect, transport, process, share,
and protect data and information. Joint C2S systems must provide quality information to
allow relevant and timely JFC decisions and provide feedback on the intended outcome. To
facilitate the execution and processes of C2, military communications systems must furnish
rapid, reliable, and secure information throughout the chain of command. All joint
functions—C2, intelligence, fires, movement and maneuver, protection, and sustainment—
depend on responsive and dependable communications systems that tie together all aspects
of joint operations and allow the JFCs and their staffs to initiate, direct, monitor, question,
and react. Ultimately, effective C2 depends on the right person having the right information
at the right time to support decision making.
For further guidance on information quality criteria, refer to JP 6-0, Joint Communications
System, and JP 3-13, Information Operations.
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