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

Chapter II
Notional Multinational Command Structure
President of the
United States
National
Government
National
Government
Unifying
Authority*
Combatant
Commanders
Multinational
Force
Commander
US
National Force
National Force
National Force
* Examples include United Nations, alliances, treaties, or coalition agreements
Legend
national
command
command authority delegated
to multinational force commander
by participating nations
nation to nation
communications
Figure II-6. Notional Multinational Command Structure
US units led by US officers. US commanders will maintain the capability to report to higher
US military authorities in addition to MNFCs. For matters perceived as illegal under US or
international law, or outside the mandate of the mission to which the President has agreed,
US commanders will first attempt resolution with the appropriate foreign MNFC. If issues
remain unresolved, the US commanders refer the matters to higher US authorities.
1. Within the limits of OPCON, an MNFC cannot change the mission or
deploy US forces outside the operational area agreed to by the President. Nor may the
MNFC separate units, divide their supplies, administer discipline, promote anyone, or
change the US force’s internal organization.
2. Other MNF participants will normally exercise national or multinational
command over their own forces on behalf of their governments.
(b) Tactical Control. TACON is another form of command authority exercised
during multinational operations. It provides for the detailed (and usually local) direction and
control of movements or maneuvers necessary to accomplish the missions or tasks assigned.
II-24 JP 1