Unity of effort emphasizes each participant’s common objectives and shared interests since each may report to different leaders and have different end states. V-1), while the Department of State (DOS) defines it “as a cooperative concept that refers to coordination and communication among USG organizations toward the same common goals for success” (JCS, 2018, p. The JCS (2017) defines unity of effort as “coordination through cooperation and common interests” (p. The JCS states unity of effort is critical to planning and underlies successful joint operations at the operational and strategic levels (JCS, 2018 2020). In this case, SELs must identify when planners and subordinate commands are unsure of command relationships and communicate with higher headquarters to establish a hierarchy. In 2006, with operations split between various commanders exercising the same command authorities, it was difficult for planners to know who handled what resourcing requests. SELs help service members understand guidance and ensure units use service members appropriately. Operational uncertainty and command ambiguity produced challenges to not only leaders and subordinates, but also SEL planners.Ī SEL plays a significant role in operations and plans based on their experience and expertise. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) (Hope, 2008). Central Command (CENTCOM), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the U.S. The mission change split operations between the U.S. On the other end of the spectrum, joint leaders forgot this critical lesson when Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan (CFC-A) passed operations to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in 2006. Foch’s example demonstrates why a single commander is vital to achieving unity of command in a theater, especially when elements come from other organizations or nations. Ferdinand Foch command over French, U.S., and British forces to provide a single purpose and direction to finally gain momentum against enemy forces (Hope, 2008). Unity of command enables a single commander to exercise authority over forces to accomplish assigned tasks.ĭuring World War I (WWI), the Supreme War Council gave Gen. While an organization may have more than one commander, each commander may not simultaneously exercise the same command authority. The JCS (2017) states, “unity of command requires that two commanders may not exercise the same command relationship over the same force at any one time” (p. This unity of command ensures commanders can effectively control operations. Since joint commanders cannot be everywhere, they empower their SELs to carry out their orders and intent. Joint doctrine states that joint commanders handle their personnel’s health, warfare, morale, and discipline (JCS, 2018). The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) (2018) define command as “the authority a commander in the armed forces lawfully exercises over subordinates by virtue of rank or assignment” (p. The art of command allows commanders and advising SELs to organize and employ military forces and manage risks while giving commanders the ability to delegate authority and promote decentralized execution (Joint Chiefs of Staff, 2017 2020). Understanding these concepts will empower SELs to better understand and embrace their role. This article analyzes the three general principles of command relationships – command, unity of command, and unity of effort, and then compares these concepts with the command authorities of combatant command (COCOM), operational control (OPCON), and tactical control (TACON). This understanding is paramount because joint operations include two or more services, agencies, organizations, and/or nations. Within joint operations, subordinates, staff, and senior enlisted leaders (SELs) must understand command authorities to appreciate how unity of command complements unity of effort. (Photo courtesy of Defense Imagery Management Operations Center) Mark Moore, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, while watching for enemy personnel during a joint clearing operation with Concerned Local Citizens in Dura'iya, Iraq, Jan. Shawn Thompson, right, talks with Command Sgt.
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