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

Doctrine Governing Unified Direction of Armed Forces
SecDef direct what specific support and to whom such support will be provided. When an
FCC is the supported commander and operating within GCCs’ AORs, close coordination and
communication between them is paramount.
e. Service Chiefs and Commander, United States Special Operations Command
(CDRUSSOCOM). The Service Chiefs and CDRUSSOCOM (in areas unique to SO) under
authority established in Title 10, USC, among other tasks, organize, train, and equip AC and
RC forces, DOD civilian personnel, contractor personnel, and selected HN personnel. The
AC and RC are fully integrated partners in executing US military strategy, to include HD and
defense support of civil authorities (DSCA) operations. The RC provides operational
capabilities and strategic depth to meet US requirements worldwide. The RC provides
operational forces that can be used on a regular basis while maintaining strategic depth in the
event of mid- to large-scale contingencies or other unanticipated national crises.
Unpredictable crises call for trained and ready forces that are either forward deployed or are
rapidly and globally deployable. These forces should be initially self-sufficient and must
possess the capabilities needed to effectively act in the US national interest or signal US
resolve prior to conflict. Such forces are usually drawn from the active force structure and
normally are tailored and integrated into joint organizations that capitalize on the unique and
complementary capabilities of the Services and United States Special Operations Command
(USSOCOM).
f. United States Coast Guard (USCG). The Commandant of the Coast Guard is
responsible for organizing, training, and equipping Service forces under Titles 10 and 14,
USC. The Commandant may provide forces to GCCs to perform activities for which those
forces are uniquely suited. Under Title 14, USC, the USCG is assigned to DHS for
homeland security (HS). In addition, the Commandant is responsible for the coordination
and conduct of maritime law enforcement and security operations under civil authorities for
HS in the US maritime domain. DOD forces may act in direct support of USCG
commanders. The USCG has authority to make inquiries, examinations, inspections,
searches, seizures, and arrests upon the high seas and waters over which the US has
jurisdiction. It is the only military Service not constrained by the Posse Comitatus Act or its
extension by DOD directive.
g. DOD Agencies. DOD agencies are organizations established by SecDef under Title
10, USC, to perform a supply or service activity common to more than one Military
Department. There are 16 DOD agencies including Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA),
Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), Missile Defense Agency, and Defense Threat Reduction
Agency (DTRA), among others.
3. Unified Action
a. Unified action synchronizes, coordinates, and/or integrates joint, single-Service, and
multinational operations with the operations of other USG departments and agencies, NGOs,
IGOs (e.g., the United Nations [UN]), and the private sector to achieve unity of effort (see
Figure II-2). Unity of command within the military instrument of national power supports
the national strategic direction through close coordination with the other instruments of
national power.
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