Joint Doctrine for Amphibious Operations - Historic Naval Ships ...

Executive SummaryIf organizing the joint force with a combination of Service andfunctional component commands with operationalresponsibilities, the JFC may establish a support relationshipbetween the functional components, Service components, orother appropriate commanders, or delegate OPCON or TACONof the assigned or attached amphibious forces to a functionalcomponent or Service component commander.Typically, a supportrelationship is establishedbetween the commandersand is based on thecomplementary ratherthan similar nature of theamphibious task force andLF.Regardless of thecommand relationships,when the order initiatingthe amphibious operationis received, uniquerelationships are observedduring the planning phase.Amphibious operationsnormally encompass athree-dimensionalgeographic area, withinwhich is located theamphibious objective(s).The command relationships established among the CATF,CLF, and other designated commanders of the amphibiousforce is important. The type of relationship chosen by thecommon superior commander (or establishing authority) forthe amphibious force should be based on mission, nature andduration of the operation, force capabilities, command andcontrol (C2) capabilities, battlespace assigned, andrecommendations from subordinate commanders.The commanders designated in the order initiating theamphibious operation are coequal in planning matters anddecisions. All decisions must be reached on a basis of commonunderstanding of the mission, objectives, and procedures andon a free exchange of information. Any differences betweencommanders that cannot be resolved are referred to theestablishing authority.The amphibious operational area must be of sufficient size toconduct necessary sea, land, and air operations required toexecute the mission of the amphibious force. The operationalareas that may be assigned to an amphibious force in an orderinitiating the amphibious operation are an amphibious objectivearea (AOA) or an area of operations normally in conjunctionwith a high-density airspace control zone.Air Command and ControlAssignment of airspaceallows the commander toexercise command andcontrol of forces,deconflict high volumes ofdifferent types of aircraftand missiles, and defendforces.During maritime operations such as amphibious operations,the airspace control authority will normally designate themaritime commander as the control authority for a specificairspace control area during the conduct of the amphibiousoperation (JP 3-52, Doctrine for Joint Airspace Control inthe Combat Zone). The complexity and size of an amphibiousoperation directly affects the amount of airspace allocated.xiiJP 3-02