Book Description

This publication describes the unique logistical aspects associated with multinational operations, including planning, coordination, execution, command and control, and deconfliction of logistic requirements. It provides guidance and principles for the Armed Forces of the United States in conducting logistic activities when operating as part of a multinational force. It describes the nature of logistic support elements such as supply systems, movement control, maintenance, engineering, contracting, logistic information systems, host-nation support, real estate management, security, and health support during the appropriate phases of multinational operations. It outlines the organization, structure, methodology, coordinating responsibilities, and processes; establishes priorities; and institutionalizes the logistic planning function for multinational operations, ranging from major theater war to military operations other than war. It describes the responsibilities, authorities, and organizational structures that may be established to coordinate logistic support during multinational operations. It addresses the logistic support areas that commanders and their staffs should consider during the planning and execution of logistic support activities during multinational operations. This publication has been prepared under the direction of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. It sets forth doctrine to govern the joint activities and performance of the Armed Forces of the United States in joint operations and provides the doctrinal basis for US military involvement in multinational and interagency operations. It provides military guidance for the exercise of authority by combatant commanders and other joint force commanders (JFCs) and prescribes doctrine for joint operations and training. It provides military guidance for use by the Armed Forces in preparing their appropriate plans. It is not the intent of this publication to restrict the authority of the JFC from organizing the force and executing the mission in a manner the JFC deems most appropriate to ensure unity of effort in the accomplishment of the overall mission. Doctrine and guidance established in this publication apply to the commanders of combatant commands, subunified commands, joint task forces, and subordinate components of these commands. These principles and guidance also may apply when significant forces of one Service are attached to forces of another Service or when significant forces of one Service support forces of another Service. The guidance in this publication is authoritative; as such, this doctrine will be followed except when, in the judgment of the commander, exceptional circumstances dictate otherwise. If conflicts arise between the contents of this publication and the contents of Service publications, this publication will take precedence for the activities of joint forces unless the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, normally in coordination with the other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has provided more current and specific guidance. Commanders of forces operating as part of a multinational (alliance or coalition) military command should follow multinational doctrine and procedures ratified by the United States. For doctrine and procedures not ratified by the United States, commanders should evaluate and follow the multinational command's doctrine and procedures, where applicable and consistent with US law, regulations, and doctrine.