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

Joint Command Organizations
Joint Task Force Organizational Options
Joint Task Force
Commander
Operational Control
Service
Components
Joint Task Forces*
(Area or Functional)
Functional
Components*
Attachments*
* Optional—command relationship will be determined by establishing commander.
Figure IV-5. Joint Task Force Organizational Options
c. Based on the decision of the establishing JFC, the commander of a JTF exercises
OPCON over assigned (and normally over attached) forces, or may exercise TACON over
attached forces. The JTF commander establishes command relationships between
subordinate commanders and is responsible to the establishing commander for the proper
employment of assigned and attached forces and for accomplishing such operational
missions as may be assigned. JTF commanders also are responsible to the establishing
commander for the conduct of joint training of assigned forces.
d. Although not recommended, due to the need to concentrate on JTF-level
considerations, the JTF commander also may act as the commander of a subordinate
command, when authorized by the establishing authority. When this is the case, the
commander also has the responsibilities associated with the subordinate command for the
forces belonging to the parent Service. The JTF establishing authority should consider that
dual-hatting a commander also means dual-hatting the commander’s staff, which can result
in forcing the staff to operate at the operational and tactical levels simultaneously.
e. The JTF commander will have a joint staff with appropriate members in key
positions of responsibility from each Service or functional component having significant
forces assigned to the command.
For further detail concerning JTFs, refer to JP 3-33, Joint Task Force Headquarters.
IV-11