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

Doctrine Governing Unified Direction of Armed Forces
b. Interoperability. Unified action demands maximum interoperability. The forces,
units, and systems of all Services must operate together effectively, in part through
interoperability. This includes joint force development; use of joint doctrine; the
development and use of joint plans and orders; and the development and use of joint and/or
interoperable communications and information systems. It also includes conducting joint
training and exercises. It concludes with a materiel development and fielding process that
provides materiel that is fully compatible with and complementary to systems of all Services.
A key to successful interoperability is to ensure that planning processes are joint from their
inception. Those responsible for systems and programs intended for joint use will establish
working groups that fully represent the services and functions affected. CCDRs will ensure
maximum interoperability and identify interoperability issues to the CJCS, who has overall
responsibility for the joint interoperability program. Other government departments and
agencies, IGOs, and NGOs should be invited to participate in joint training and exercises
whenever possible.
10. Interagency Coordination
a. General
(1) Interagency coordination is the cooperation and communication that occurs
between departments and agencies of the USG to accomplish an objective. Similarly, in the
context of DOD involvement, coordination refers to coordination between elements of DOD
and IGOs or NGOs to achieve objectives.
(2) CCDRs and subordinate JFCs must consider the potential requirements for
interagency, IGO, and NGO coordination as a part of their activities within and outside of
their operational areas. Military operations must be coordinated, integrated, and deconflicted
with the activities of interorganizational partners, including various HN agencies within and
en route to and from the operational area. Sometimes the JFC draws on the capabilities of
other organizations, provides capabilities to other organizations, and sometimes the JFC
merely deconflicts activities with those of others. These same organizations may be
involved during all phases of an operation including pre- and post-operation activities. Roles
and relationships among USG departments and agencies, state, tribal, and local governments,
must be clearly understood. Interagency coordination forges the vital link between the
military and the diplomatic, informational, and economic instruments of national power.
Successful interorganizational coordination helps enable the USG to build international and
domestic support, conserve resources, and conduct coherent operations that efficiently
achieve shared goals.
For more information on interagency coordination, see JP 3-08, Interorganizational
Coordination During Joint Operations.
b. Interagency Unity of Effort
(1) Achieving Unity of Effort. Some of the techniques, procedures, and systems
of military C2 can facilitate unity of effort if they are adjusted to the dynamic world of
interagency coordination and different organizational cultures. Unity of effort can only be
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