FM 100-5 Operations - Survival Ebooks Military Manuals Survival ...

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMOPERATIONSthrough a separate service component chain of command.Forces assigned to joint commands work directlywith their respective departments and serviceson these matters. Joint Publication 0-2 provides detailedinformation on command relationships; however,a brief discussion of the most common types of commandrelationships follows:Combatant Command AuthorityThe commanders of unified and specified commandsexercise combatant command (COCOM) authorityover all assigned and attached forces. Thisbroad authority allows them to perform a variety offunctions, including organizing and employing commandsand forces, assigning tasks, designating objectives,and directing military operations, joint training,and logistics necessary to accomplish assigned missions.During contingencies COCOM can be expandedto give the combatant commander the authority to reorganizeservice component forces as necessary andto consolidate logistics support within the command.Operational ControlSubordinate JFCs and service component commandersnormally exercise operational control(OPCON). This command relationship provides fullauthority to organize commands and forces and employthem as the commander considers necessary toaccomplish assigned missions. OPCON does not normallyinclude authority to direct logistics, administration,internal organization, or unit training. JFCs usuallyexercise OPCON through the service componentcommanders.Tactical ControlTactical control (TACON) is the detailed and usuallylocal direction and control of movement and maneuvernecessary to accomplish missions and tasks.TACON allows commanders below combatant commandlevel to apply force and direct the tactical use oflogistics assets but does not provide authority to changeorganizational structure or direct administrative andlogistical support. Functional component commandersfrequently exercise TACON over their forces.SupportSupport is the action of a force that aids, protects,complements, or sustains another force. JFCs mayestablish support relationships to emphasize or clarifypriorities, provide a subordinate with an additional capability,and combine the effects of similar assets. JointPublication 0-2 provides a detailed description of thetypes of support (general, direct, close, and mutual).TYPES OF COMMANDSUnified and specified commands, subordinate unifiedcommands, and JTFs are the three types of jointforces. Each joint force will normally have a servicecomponent for each of the services represented withinthe joint force. Each force may also include one ormore functional components, such as a joint force landcomponent commander (JFLCC) or a joint force specialoperations component commander (JFSOCC).Combatant commands and existing JTFs receive administrativeand logistics support from their respectivemilitary departments.Unified CommandThe President establishes a unified command (acombatant command) through the Secretary of Defense,with the advice and assistance of the CJCS, toperform a broad, continuing mission. Forces of twoor more services comprise this organization and operateunder the COCOM of a single, unified combatantcommander. He receives strategic guidance from theJCS and is responsible to the Secretary of Defense foraccomplishing his mission. The Unified CommandPlan assigns some CINCs specific AORs that includeall associated land, sea, and air space. Other unifiedcommanders are given certain functional responsibilitiessuch as transportation and special operations.Functionally oriented unified commands operate acrossall geographic regions. As an example, the US SpecialOperations Command (USSOCOM) can provideforces to operate under the control of other JFCs, orthe NCA can direct it to conduct relatively independentoperations worldwide. Joint Publication 3-05.3and 3-05.5 and FM 100-25 discuss the specifics of theprocess.A unified combatant commander normally exercisesCOCOM through service component commandersand the theater special operations command. Hemay establish a subordinate unified command to accomplisha broad, continuing mission within the combatantcommand or a JTF to conduct specific missions.In an emergency, the combatant commander has theauthority to use all facilities and supplies of assignedforces to accomplish the mission. US European Command(USEUCOM) and US Pacific Command(USPACOM) are examples of geographical unifiedcommands.4-2