J. C. S. Files
Report by the Combined Staff Planners1
C.C.S. 75/3
System of Command for Combined U. S.–British Operations
(Previous reference: (a) C.C.S. 38th Meeting, Item 3)
- 1.
- The enclosure, prepared by the Combined Staff Planners in accordance with reference (a), is presented for consideration by the Combined Chiefs of Staff. Annex “A”, attached thereto,2 presents graphically the principles of unified command as contained in the report.
- 2.
- The U. S. Navy members of the Combined Staff Planners state that while this paper does not in its entirety accord with their views, it is believed that it presents the best agreement which can be reached at this time. The U. S. Navy members believe that the status of the assistants to Supreme Commander, because of the possible interpretation of their functions, may result in actually interposing an additional element in the chain of command which would limit the authority of the Supreme Commander.
Enclosure
System of Unified Command for Combined Operations
Definitions:
1. Unified command is the control, exercised by a designated commander, over a force integrated from combined and joint forces allocated to him for the accomplishment of a mission or task. This force will include all the means considered necessary for the mission’s successful execution. Unified command vests in the designated commander, the responsibility and authority to control the operations of all arms and services composing his force, by the organization of task forces, assignment of missions, designation of objectives, and the exercise of such control as he deems necessary to insure the success of [Page 734] his mission. Unified command does not authorize the commander exercising it, to control the administration and discipline of any forces of the United Nations composing his command, beyond those necessary for effective control.
2. The term “joint” refers to participation of forces from two or more of the arms (U. S.) or services (British) of one nation.
3. The term “combined” refers to the participation of forces of two or more of the United Nations.
Supreme Commander:
4. In cases where the governments concerned so decide, a Supreme Commander will be appointed for operations when forces of more than one of the United Nations are to be employed on a specific mission or task.
5. He will be appointed by agreement between the governments concerned at the earliest possible moment after the decision to undertake an operation has been made.
6. He will exercise unified command over all forces of the United Nations allocated to his operation.
7. He will be the recipient of all major directives pertaining to the arms and services of his force.
8. Out of the means allocated to him, he will organize task forces as necessary, designate their commanders, and assign the major tasks to be performed by each.
9. He will be assisted by a small composite staff which will include in principle a Chief of Staff, a Planning Division, an Operations Division, an Intelligence Division, a Logistical Division, and a Communications Center. Each nation involved and each of the several component arms or services of the force will be represented on the staff in order to insure an understanding of the capabilities, requirements, and limitations of each component.
Land, Naval and Air Commanders:
10. The officer appointed by the Combined Chiefs of Staff as the Senior Officer of each combined arm or service not specifically allocated to task forces by the Supreme Commander, will advise the Supreme Commander on the best use of his own combined arm or service.
11. These Commanders will carry out their duties at the headquarters of the Supreme Commander unless specifically ordered otherwise by him.
Tosh Force Commanders:
12. Task Force Commanders will organize their commands as may be necessary for the execution of the tasks assigned. Sub-Task Force Commanders will be designated as may be necessary for the execution of the subordinate tasks assigned. The principle of unified command will apply throughout.
[Page 735]13. The organization of task forces will be governed by the nature of the operations to be performed. The task forces will include all the elements—land, air and naval—necessary for the accomplishment of the task. The appointment of the Task Force Commanders, subordinate as well as major, will be governed by the nature of the task assigned, and the major arm or service involved in its performance, i.e., whether preponderantly land, air or naval.
Integrity of National Units:
14. Insofar as conditions will permit, task forces will be composed of units of the same nationality. When organizations of one nation serve under the command of an officer of another, the principle will be maintained that such organizations shall be kept intact and not scattered among other units.