Fun 104- Command Relationships

Question 1

SOB: Identify the two fundamental elements of command.

Answer 1

Authority and responsibility

Question 2

SOB: Identify the principle of unity of command

Answer 2

Unity of command means all forces operate under a single commander with the requisite authority to direct all forces employed in pursuit of a common purpose

Question 3

SOB: Describe the authority of Joint Force Commander (JFC) staffs

Answer 3

The staff is an extension of the commander
its sole function is command support, and
its authority is delegated to it by the commander.
“Staff channel” is the term used to describe the channel by which commanders interact with staffs and staffs interact with each other. These staff-to-staff contacts are for coordination and cooperation only. Higher Headquarters (HHQ) staff officers exercise no independent authority over subordinate HQ staffs.

Question 4

SOB: Define the four command relationship levels of authority (COCOM, OPCON, TACON, and Support).

Answer 4

• Combatant Command (COCOM): COCOM is the command authority over assigned forces vested only in Combatant Commanders (CCDR) by Title 10, USC or as directed by the President in the Unified Command Plan (UCP) (See Note 1) and cannot be delegated or transferred
• OPCON is a transferable command authority, inherent in COCOM, to perform those functions of command over subordinate forces involving organizing and employing commands and forces, assigning tasks, designating objectives, and giving authoritative direction over all aspects of military operations and joint training necessary to accomplish the mission
• TACON is a transferable command authority, inherent in OPCON, over assigned or attached forces or commands, or military capability or forces made available for tasking. The authority is limited to the detailed direction and control of movements or maneuvers within the Operational Area (OA) necessary to accomplish assigned missions or tasks
• Support is a command authority established by a superior commander between subordinate commanders when one organization should aid, protect, complement, or sustain another force

Question 5

SOB: Define the additional levels of authority (ADCON, Coordinating authority, DIRLAUTH).

Answer 5

• ADCON is the direction or exercise of authority over subordinate or other organizations with respect to administration and support including organization of Service forces, control of resources and equipment, personnel management, unit logistics, individual and unit training, readiness, mobilization, demobilization, discipline, and other matters not included in the operational missions of the subordinate or other organizations
• Coordinating Authority: Authority delegated to a commander or individual for coordinating specific functions and activities involving forces of two or more Services, two or more joint force components, or two or more forces of the same Service. Can compel consultation, but not agreement
• DIRLAUTH is that authority granted by a commander (at any level) to a subordinate to directly consult or coordinate an action with a command or agency within or outside the granting command. It is more applicable to planning than operations, and always carries with it the requirement of keeping the granting commander informed

Question 6

SOB: Identify the levels of authority normally exercised by the COMAFFOR.

Answer 6

Normally, the COMAFFOR function executes OPCON and ADCON of assigned and attached Air Force Forces (AFFOR) through the Service A-staff. The JFACC function executes TACON over military forces made available for tasking from the JFC through a Joint Air Operations Center (JAOC).
If the COMAFFOR is also designated as the JFACC, then as JFACC will exercise TACON over all assigned and attached AFFOR (inherent in OPCON), and will also exercise TACON over all forces or military capabilities made available to the JFC, delegated to the JFACC for tasking

Question 7

SOB: Identify the level of authority normally exercised by a JFACC.

Answer 7

normally TACON