What is Combatant Command?
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
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 04, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA272978
Entities
People
- Gary L. Bryant
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College