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

Chapter IIdesignated in the order initiating planning forthe amphibious operation are coequal. Alldecisions made by these commanders arereached based on a common understandingof the mission, objectives, and procedures andon a free exchange of information. Unlesspublished in the order initiating theamphibious operation, the CATF and CLFwill identify the events and conditions for anyshifts of the support relationship throughoutthe operation during the planning phase andforward them to the establishing authority forapproval. The establishing authority willresolve any differences among thecommanders.c. Supported Commander. A supportedcommander may be designated for the entireoperation, a particular phase or stage of theoperation, a particular function, or acombination of phases, stages, events, andfunctions. Unless limited by the establishingdirective or the order initiating the amphibiousoperation, the supported commander hasthe authority to exercise general directionof the supporting effort. General directionincludes the designation and prioritization oftargets or objectives, timing and duration ofthe supporting action, and other instructionsnecessary for coordination and efficiency. Theestablishing authority is responsible forensuring that the supported and supportingcommanders understand the degree ofauthority that the supported commander isgranted.• If not specified in the order initiating theamphibious operation, the CATF andCLF will determine who has primaryresponsibility for the essential tasksduring the mission analysis in theplanning process.See Chapter IV, “Approach to Planningand Primary Decisions,” for missionanalysis and the planning process.• In an operation of relatively shortduration, normally the establishingauthority will choose one commander forthe entire operation. When there is nolittoral threat to the amphibious force (forexample, in a particular NEO) theestablishing authority may designate theCLF as the supported commander for theentire operation. During the movementor transit phase, the CATF may bedesignated the supported commanderbased on having responsibility for themajor action or activity during that phase.The CATF may be designated thesupported commander based oncapabilities for airspace control and airdefense for the entire operation if, forexample, the landing force does notintend to establish a tactical air commandcenter ashore (see Figure II-1).• The establishing authority shouldconsider several factors whendesignating the supported commander atvarious phases and events during theamphibious operation, including butlimited to the following.•• Responsibility for the preponderanceof the mission.•• Force capabilities.•• Threat.•• Type, phase, and duration ofoperation.•• C2 capabilities.•• Battlespace assigned.•• Recommendations from subordinatecommanders.II-6JP 3-02