JP 3-33, Joint Task Force Headquarters - Defense Innovation ...

Chapter II
(4) Assist. LNOs provide assistance to various organizations by providing their
expertise and facilitating coordination between their organizations. They must not accept
formal tasking by the JTF or any other organization. Formal taskings should be
accomplished through normal C2 channels or as agreed to by the respective organizations.
c. LNOs provide an essential C2 bridge between the JTF HQ, its parent organizations,
and its subordinate organizations.
d. To help ensure LNOs are properly employed and not misused, the JTF should follow
certain basic guidelines. See Figure II-7 for details.
To further assist the JTF staff in accomplishing their tasks, refer to Annex B, “Checklist for
Liaison Personnel,” to Appendix A, “Checklists.”
Liaison Officer Guidelines
• Liaison officers (LNOs) are personal and official representatives of the sending
organizations and should be treated accordingly.
• LNOs support the gaining organizations and serve as critical conduits
between organizations.
• LNOs remain in their parent organizations’ chain of command.
• LNOs perform four basic functions: monitor, coordinate, advise, and assist.
• LNOs are not full-time planners.
• LNOs are not watch officers.
• LNOs are not substitutes for delivering critical information through normal command
and control channels or a conduit for general information sharing.
• LNOs are not replacements for proper staff-to-staff coordination.
• LNOs are not replacements for augmentees or representatives.
• LNOs do not have the authority to make decisions for their commander without
coordination and approval.
Figure II-7. Liaison Officer Guidelines
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