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

Chapter IV
(c) Forces not assigned or attached to a GCC or attached to a subordinate JFC
often are assigned missions that require them to cross boundaries. In such cases, it is the
duty of the JFC to assist the operations of these transient forces to the extent of existing
capabilities and consistent with other assigned missions. The JFC may be assigned specific
responsibilities with respect to installations or activities exempted from their control, such as
logistic support or area defense, particularly if adversary forces should traverse the
operational area to attack the exempted installation or activity. GCC force protection
policies take precedence over all force protection policies or programs of any other DOD
component deployed in that GCC’s AOR and not under the security responsibility of DOS.
The GCC or a designated representative (e.g., a JTF or component commander) shall
delineate the force protection measures for all DOD personnel not under the responsibility of
DOS.
(d) Transient forces within the assigned AOR of a CCDR are subject to that
CCDR’s orders in some instances (e.g., for coordination of emergency defense, force
protection, or allocation of local facilities).
(2) Functional. Sometimes a joint force based solely on military functions without
respect to a specific geographic region is more suitable to fix responsibility for certain types
of continuing operations (e.g., the unified CCMDs for transportation, SO, and strategic
operations). The commander of a joint force established on a functional basis is assigned a
functional responsibility by the establishing authority.
(a) When defining functional responsibilities, the focus should be on the
mission and objective(s) or service provided. The title of the functional responsibility and its
delineation are prescribed in the establishing directive.
(b) The missions or tasks assigned to the commander of a functional command
may require that certain installations and activities of that commander be exempt, partially or
wholly, from the command authority of a GCC in whose area they are located or within
which they operate. Such exemptions must be specified by the authority that establishes the
functional command. Such exemptions do not relieve the commanders of functional
commands of the responsibility to coordinate with the affected GCC.
c. Organizing Joint Forces. A JFC has the authority to organize assigned or attached
forces with specification of OPCON to best accomplish the assigned mission based on his
intent, the CONOPS, and consideration of Service organizations (see Figure IV-1). The
organization should be sufficiently flexible to meet the planned phases of the contemplated
operations and any development that may necessitate a change in plan. The JFC will
establish subordinate commands, assign responsibilities, establish or delegate appropriate
command relationships, and establish coordinating instructions for the component
commanders. Sound organization should provide for unity of command, centralized
planning and direction, and decentralized execution. Unity of effort is necessary for
effectiveness and efficiency. Centralized planning and direction is essential for controlling
and coordinating the efforts of the forces. Decentralized execution is essential because no
one commander can control the detailed actions of a large number of units or individuals.
When organizing joint forces with MNFs, simplicity and clarity are critical. Complex or
IV-2 JP 1