What is Combatant Command?

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA272978 | Open PDF

Abstract:

This study investigates the joint command relationship known as combatant Command COCOM. Combatant command is the command authority vested in the United States Unified and Specified Commanders CINICs by the Goldwater- Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986. The DOD Reorganization Act of 1986 makes unified and specified commanders responsible to the National Command Authorities for the performance of their assigned missions and enhanced their authority over Service forces so that they would have the authority, direction, and control necessary to accomplish those missions. The study analyzes why there was a need for a new and unique joint command relationships known as COCOM, what Congress intended for COCOM to be, and how COCOM is being interpreted and exercised by the warfighting CINCs. The inherent competition between the Services and the reluctance on the part of the Services to relinquish full control of their forces to the joint force commander required congressional legislation to bring coherence to joint operations. This study is intended to serve as a guide for commanders, staff officers, students, and instructors to assist them in understanding the authority and limitation of the combatant commanders. COCOM, Joint command relationships, Joint operations

Author(s):
Bryant, Gary L.
Author Organization(s):
ARMY COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLL FORT LEAVENWORTH KS
Descriptive Note:
Master thesis Aug 1992-Jun 1993
Pagination:
0100

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Monitor Series:
USACGSC
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_5.4_Decide; JCA_5.4.3_Establish Rule Sets; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_5.5.1_Communicate Intent and Guidance; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_1.1_Force Management; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_3.1.1_Maneuver to Engage; JCA_3.1_Maneuver; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_6.4_Information Assurance; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_1.2.2_Exercising; JCA_1.2.3_Educating; JCA_1.2.1_Training
Modernization Areas:
Fully Networked C3; Directed Energy
Communities of Interest:
Human Systems
Descriptor(s):
*MILITARY COMMANDERS, *NAVAL VESSELS(COMBATANT), CONTROL, CONGRESS, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, UNITED STATES, COMPETITION, LEGISLATION, STUDENTS, COHERENCE, LIMITATIONS, MISSIONS, OPERATION, INSTRUCTORS
Field(s)/Group(s):
Military Forces and Organizations, Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics
Keyword(s):
*JOINT OPERATIONS
Report Date:
1993 Jun 04