108 COMMAND ELEMENT (CE) FUNDAMENTALS

1. 108 COMMAND ELEMENT (CE) FUNDAMENTALS

2. Command and control is the exercise of authority and direction by a properly designated commander over assigned and attached forces. JP 0-2 UNAAF

3. 108.1 Discuss the function of the Command Element (CE) within the Marine Air/Ground Task Force (MAGTF). Command Element •  The CE is the MAGTF headquarters. It is task organized to provide the command and control capabilities required for effective planning, direction, and execution of all MAGTF operations. It includes

4. 108.1 Cont. MEF Command Element (CE): To provide command and control of the Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF). The MEF Command Element (CE) is responsible for the command, control, direction, planning and coordination of corps-level air, ground, and logistical operations of assigned forces, normally consisting of one or more Marine divisions, Marine aircraft wings, and Marine logistics groups, and other separate units.

5. 108.1 Cont. • MEF Headquarters Group (MHG) • To provide administrative and service support to the MEF command element (CE) and to intelligence, counterintelligence, ground reconnaissance, communications and information systems (CIS), and liaison organizations subordinate to the MEF CE. • Provide administrative and service support to the MEF CE and MHG subordinate units. • Provide headquarters commandant support to the MEF CE. GPAC 1st Radio BN

6. 108.2 Discuss the concept of supporting and supported relationships. • Command relationships are not necessarily identical for all elements of the MAGTF. • OPCON and TACON are not used between Marine units within the MAGTF. • Relationships established within the MAGTF are framed in command or support. • Elements may be organic, attached, or tasked. • Support relationship normally identified by the MAGTF commander • Main effort is designated as the supported element • Other elements are designated as supporting. • Each designed to fit the situation at hand. • Allows support without changing command relationships

7. 108.3 Discuss the following terms: a. Administrative Control (ADCON) ADCON is defined as the direction or exercise of authority over subordinate or other organizations in respect to: • Administration and support • Organization of Service Forces • Resources and equipment • Personnel management • Logistics • Training • Readiness • Mobilization & demobilization, • Discipline, ? Direction or exercise of authority over subordinate or other organizations in respect to administration and support, including organization of Service forces, (JP-02 UNAAF)

8. 108.3 b. Operational Control (OPCON) Definition. OPCON is the authority to perform those functions of command over subordinate forces involving organizing and employing commands and forces, assigning tasks, designating objectives, and giving authoritative direction necessary to accomplish the mission. (JP 0-2) Marine Corps Applicability. Generally, OPCON only applies to larger Marine Corps units in a joint force organization. Although the term OPCON is often used in joint and combined operations, it is not used to establish command relationships between Marine units within the MAGTF. Operational control is command authority that may be exercised by commanders at any echelon at or below the level of combatant command and may be delegated within the command. JP 0-2 UNAAF

9. 108.3 c. Tactical Control (TACON) Definition. TACON is the command authority over assigned or attached forces or commands, or military capabilities or forces made available for tasking that is limited to the detailed and usually local direction and control of movements or maneuvers necessary to accomplish assigned missions or tasks. (JP 0-2) Marine Corps Applicability. The definition for TACON used in theMarine Corps and the Joint communityis the same. Although the term TACON is often used in joint and combined operations, it is not used to establish command relationships between Marine units within the MAGTF. Tactical control is the detailed direction and control of movements or maneuvers within the operational area necessary to accomplish assigned missions or tasks. JP 0-2 UNAAF

10. 108.4 Define the following as they apply to MAGTF employment: Joint Task Force (JTF) A JTF is a joint force that is constituted and so designated by the Secretary of Defense, a combatant commander, a subordinate unified command commander, or an existing JTF commander. A JTF may be established on a geographical area or functional basis when the mission has a specific limited objective and does not require overall centralized control of logistics. A JTF can be established by the Secretary of Defense, and/or by commanders of combatant commands, subordinate unified commands, or existing JTFs. JP 0-2 UNAAF

11. 108.4 b. Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF) Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF) Multinational Operations. An operation conducted by forces of two or more nations is termed a “multinational” operation. An operation conducted by forces of two or more nations in a formal arrangement is termed an “allied” or “alliance” operation. Military action in a temporary or informal arrangement for common interests is termed a “coalition” operation. Though the description of “multinational” always will apply to such forces and commanders, they also can be described as “allied,” “combined,” “alliance,” or “coalition,” as appropriate.

12. Questions?