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

Chapter IV
Subordinate Unified Command Organizational Options
Subordinate
Unified
Commander
Operational Control
Service
Components
Joint Task Forces*
(Area or Functional)
Functional
Components*
Attachments*
* Optional
unified commands have functions and responsibilities similar to those of the commanders of
unified CCMDs and exercise OPCON of assigned commands and forces and normally over
attached forces within the assigned joint operations area or functional area. The commanders
of components or Service forces of subordinate unified commands have responsibilities and
missions similar to those for component commanders within a unified CCMD. The Service
component or Service force commanders of a subordinate unified command normally will
communicate directly with the commanders of the Service component command of the
unified CCMD on Service-specific matters and inform the commander of the subordinate
unified command as that commander directs.
5. Joint Task Force
Figure IV-4. Subordinate Unified Command Organizational Options
As shown in Figure IV-5, a JTF is a joint force that is constituted and so designated by
SecDef, a CCDR, a subordinate unified commander, or an existing JTF commander.
a. A JTF may be established on a geographical area or functional basis when the
mission has a specific limited objective and does not require overall centralized control of
logistics. The mission assigned to a JTF requires execution of responsibilities involving a
joint force on a significant scale and close integration of effort, or requires coordination
within a subordinate area or local defense of a subordinate area. The establishing authority
dissolves a JTF when the purpose for which it was created has been achieved or when it is no
longer required.
b. The authority establishing a JTF designates the commander, assigns the mission,
designates forces, and delegates command authorities.
IV-10 JP 1