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

Executive Summary
Command and Control
Fundamentals
Organization for Joint
Command and Control
Joint Command and Staff
Process
Command and Control
Support
National Military Command
System
C2 enhances the commander’s ability to make sound and
timely decisions and successfully execute them. Unity of
effort over complex operations is made possible through
decentralized execution of centralized, overarching plans
or via mission command. Unity of command is
strengthened through adherence to the following C2
tenets: clearly defined authorities, roles, and
relationships; mission command; information
management and knowledge sharing; communication;
timely decision making; coordination mechanisms; battle
rhythm discipline; responsive, dependable, and
interoperable support systems; situational awareness; and
mutual trust.
Component and supporting commands’ organizations and
capabilities must be integrated into a joint organization
that enables effective and efficient joint C2. The JFC
should be guided in this effort by the following
principles: simplicity, span of control, unit integrity, and
interoperability.
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.
Although the scope and details will vary with the level
and function of the command, the purpose is constant:
analyze the situation and need for action; determine the
course of action (COA) best suited for mission
accomplishment; and carry out that COA, with
adjustments as necessary, while continuing to assess the
unfolding situation.
A C2 support system, which includes interoperable
supporting communications systems, is the JFC’s
principal tool used to collect, transport, process, share,
and protect data and information. To facilitate the
execution and processes of C2, military communications
systems must furnish rapid, reliable, and secure
information throughout the chain of command.
The National Military Command System provides the
means by which the President and SecDef can receive
warning and intelligence so that accurate and timely
decisions can be made, the resources of the Military
Services can be applied, military missions can be
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