Historyof theUnified CommandPlan
1946–2012
Edward J. Drea
Ronald H. Cole
Walter S. Poole
James F. Schnabel
Robert J. Watson
Willard J. Webb

Joint History Office
Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Washington, DC • 2013

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Drea, Edward J., 1944History of the Unified Command Plan 1946-2012 / Edward J. Drea, Ronald H. Cole, Walter S. Poole,
James F. Schnabel, Robert J. Watson, Willard J. Webb.
pages cm
Includes bibliographical references and index.
1. Military planning--United States--History. 2. Unified operations (Military science)--UnitedStates--History. 3. Operational art (Military science) 4. United States. Joint Chiefs of Staff--History. 5.
United States--Armed Forces--Organization--History. I. Cole, Ronald H., 1943- History of the Unified
Command Plan 1946-1999. II. United States. Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Joint
History Office. III. Title.
U153.H577 2013355.3’3041097309045--dc23
2013011425

Foreword
Faced with the need to establish unified command of US military forces in peacetime, the Joint Chiefsof Staff in 1946 created an organizational directive, the “Outline Command Plan,” which was the firstin a series of documents known as Unified Command Plans. Approved by the President, the Unified
Command Plan prescribes high-level command arrangements for operational forces on a global basis;
its structure and the organizational philosophies that structure represents have had a major impact on
US military operations in the post-World War II era. Thus, the History of the Unified Command Plan
is a useful guide for those engaged in the development of current military policy and strategy as wellas an important reference for students of US policy and strategy during the Cold War.
The History of the Unified Command Plan, 1946–2012, covers the formulation of the plan, modifications, and periodic revisions. This volume includes four separate histories that were originally classified
and an update covering the period from 1999 to 2012. The section describing the development of the
Unified Command Plan between 1946 and 1977 was written by Dr. Robert J. Watson, Mr. James F.
Schnabel, and Mr. Willard J. Webb and first published in declassified form in the late 1980s. The section
covering the period from 1977 to 1983 was written by Dr. Ronald H. Cole and published in a classified
version in 1985. The two sections covering 1983 through 1999 were prepared by Dr. Walter S. Poole.
Dr. Edward J. Drea prepared the Overview and the update covering 1999 to 2012. Ms. Penny Norman
prepared the volume for publication.
This volume was reviewed for declassification by the appropriate US government departments
and agencies and cleared for release. Although the text has been declassified, some of the cited sources
remain classified. This volume is an official publication of the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefsof Staff, but the views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official
position of the Chairman or of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Washington, DC
March 2013

John F. Shortal
BG, USA (Ret.)
Director for Joint Historyiii

Contents
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Part One 1946–1977
Origins in World War II. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
The First Unified Command Plan, 1946. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
CINCFE, CINCPAC, CINCAL, CINCEUR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
CINCLANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Developments in 1948. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Northeast Command. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Changes in the European Theater, 1949–1952. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Clarifying Responsibilities, 1950. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Command in the Far East during the Korean War. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Interim Revision of the UCP, 1952–1953. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
1953 Change in the Executive Agent System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
An Air Force Component for CINCPAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Continental Air Defense Command Established. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
The Unified Command Plan, 1955. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Changes in Terms of Reference for CONAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Reorganization in 1956: Abolition of CINCFE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Establishment of CINCNORAD; Alteration of CINCONAD’s Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Department of Defense Reorganization, 1958. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
The Revised Unified Command Plan, 1961. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Refining Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
CINCLANT’s Assumption of African Tasks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Command Changes for Cuban Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Strike Command Established. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Altered Arrangements for the Middle East and Africa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
CARIBCOM becomes USSOUTHCOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
CONAD Assigned to Defend against Space Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Command Relations in the Vietnam War. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Developments in the Late 1960s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Blue Ribbon Panel Considers the Unified Command System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
The Unified Command Plan, 1971. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
1974–1975 Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Adjustment in the PACOM Boundary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Designation of MAC as a Specified Command. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34v

Part Two 1977–1983
Requirement for a Biennial Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Air Defense of the Panama Canal, 1978 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Sub-Saharan Africa, 1976–1978. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force, 1977–1979. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
The Middle East and the First Biennial Review, 1980 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
The Caribbean Basin and the First Biennial Review, 1980–1981. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
The Transition from RDJTF to USCENTCOM, 1981–1982. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
The 1982 Biennial Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
The New Unified Command Plan of 1983. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Part Three 1983–1993
Setting Up US Space Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Readjusting for a Special Operations Command. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
The Evolution of USTRANSCOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Debating Smaller Adjustments, 1983–1990. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Adapting to a New World Order. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Strategic Command: An Easy Change. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Expanding the Atlantic Command. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Part Four 1993–1999
Oiling the Machinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Emerging Issues: Homeland Defense and Information Warfare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Part Five 1999–2012
The 2002 Unified Command Plan (UCP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Service Reactions to OSD’s 2002 UCP Proposals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Changes to the 2002 UCP: Change-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Changes to the 2002 UCP: Change-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
The 2004 UCP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
The Levant (Israel, Lebanon, and Syria) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
TRANSCOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
The 2004 UCP Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
SOCOM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
2004 UCP Change-1/UCP 2006: The Change-1 Proposal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
The 2008 UCP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
The 2011 UCP and Change-1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  103vi

Appendices
I. Dates Unified and Specified Commands Established. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
II. Unified Command Plans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
III. Chronological Listing of Presidents of the United States,
Secretaries of Defense, and Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
IV. Membership of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  123V. Glossary of Abbreviations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  167vii

Overview
Following the experience of global warfare in World War II, the Services recognized the importance ofunity of military effort achieved through the unified command of US forces. Generally, over the next
50 years, the Unified Command Plan did adapt to the changing strategic environment and to great
advances in technology, particularly the growing global reach of US forces. But there were failures,notably the cumbersome command organization for the Vietnam War. The recurring difficulty lay
in creating an organizational scheme that would centralize control without impinging upon what theServices saw as their basic roles and functions. Much of the history of the Unified Command Plan (UCP)
involves debates over how commands should be organized. Such disputes usually pitted those whowanted commands organized by geographic areas against those who advocated forming commands
according to functional groupings of forces. Command by forces or functions seemed to restrict Service
prerogatives, while command by areas appeared to preserve them. The importance and intractabilityof this dispute is, perhaps, best demonstrated by tracing three particularly difficult sets of command
arrangements, those for the Pacific Ocean and Far East, strategic nuclear forces, and general purpose
forces based in the continental United States.
During 1945 and 1946, Pacific command organization became the main obstacle to completing an“Outline Campaign Plan,” the first version of the UCP. A line had to be drawn between a geographicallyorganized Pacific Command (PACOM) and a Far East Command (FECOM) that was functionallyorganized for the occupation of Japan. The Army pushed for assigning command by forces or functions, a position based on its advocacy of a Department of Defense (DOD) under strong centralized
direction. Behind the Navy’s insistence upon command by geographical area lay its desire for a loosely
coordinated DOD organization that would preserve Service autonomy. Command arrangements, theNavy argued, had to reflect the reality that ships were not tied to functions but constantly steamed fromone area of responsibility into another. Whether to place the Bonin and Mariana Islands under PACOM
or FECOM became the bone of contention. The Navy saw all Pacific islands as one strategic entity,
while the Army insisted that FECOM be able to draw upon military resources in the Bonin-Marianas
during an emergency. Accordingly, the Commander in Chief, Far East (CINCFE), was given control
over local forces and facilities in these islands, while naval administration and logistics there fell under
Commander in Chief, Pacific (CINCPAC). In 1951, during the Korean War, the Joint Chiefs of Staff(JCS) shifted responsibility for the Bonin and Mariana Islands as well as the Philippines and Taiwan
from FECOM to PACOM. Five years later, with the Korean War over and the Japanese peace treaty
concluded, FECOM was disestablished over Army protests and PACOM gained control over that area.
Command arrangements for the Vietnam War were complex and unsatisfactory. The Army failed
to gain approval either for creating a Southeast Asia Command or for raising Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV), to a unified command with PACOM in a supporting role. Instead, under
CINCPAC, the Commander, US Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (COMUSMACV), largely
controlled forces and operations within South Vietnam; CINCPAC delegated to its Service components,
Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) and Pacific Fleet (PACFLT), responsibility for conducting air and naval
operations against North Vietnam and Laos; PACFLT also retained control of 7th Fleet forces provid-

1History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

ing gunfire support and air strikes on targets in South Vietnam. Control of B-52s remained under theCommander in Chief, Strategic Air command (CINCSAC), but targets in South Vietnam were selectedby COMUSMACV, refined by CINCPAC, and approved in Washington. CINCPAC’s domination ofcommand arrangements created resentment among senior Army and Air Force officers. In 1972 theArmy Chief of Staff was General William Westmoreland, a former COMUSMACV. He nominatedand pressed for the current COMUSMACV, General Creighton Abrams, to become CINCPAC.
Westmoreland’s effort failed. But after Abrams became Chief of Staff of the Army (CSA), he argued
for radical changes in the command structure in the Pacific. Joined by the Chief of Staff, Air Force(CSAF), General George Brown, who had commanded 7th Air Force in Vietnam, Abrams proposed
disestablishing PACOM, making the Pacific Fleet a specified command, and creating four new unified
commands: western Pacific, eastern Asia, northeast Asia, and southwest Pacific. Secretary of Defense
James Schlesinger preserved PACOM, accepting the Navy’s arguments that since the Pacific area wasa single geographic entity, four commands would interfere constantly with each other in a time of crisis. Indeed, Schlesinger expanded PACOM: CINCPAC was given responsibility for the Indian Ocean.
During the 1980s the Army repeatedly pressed for creation of a northeast Asia command; even the endof the Cold War did not close the debate. The history of PACOM demonstrated both the viability andlimitations of a large area command.
Control of strategic nuclear forces raised some of the same issues: jointness versus Service prerogatives, functional versus geographical command. In 1946 the Army Air Force (AAF) advocateda Strategic Air Command controlled by one commander and operating globally. The Navy insisted
that SAC neither control forces normally based in other commands nor duplicate specialized searchand rescue efforts. The Navy’s desires were accommodated and SAC was designated the first specified command—an organization which controlled only the forces of a single Service. Then, in the late
1950s, the problem of fitting Polaris ballistic missile submarines into the nuclear command structure
provoked a heated debate. The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Admiral Arleigh Burke, argued thatthe operations of Polaris submarines had to be coordinated with other naval forces and, therefore, theymust be allocated by area to the Atlantic Command (LANTCOM), European Command (EUCOM)
and PACOM. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, totally disagreeing, proposed putting all long-range
missiles, their launch platforms and heavy bombers under one strategic command. In August 1960, theSecretary of Defense decided against making SAC a unified command and the Air Force failed to gain
control over all strategic nuclear weapons systems. Instead, CINCSAC became the Director, Strategic
Target Planning, supported by a Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff (JSTPS) with a Navy deputy. The
JSTPS coordinated the process of identifying and prioritizing nuclear targets and then of matching
weapons against them. Admiral Burke fought vigorously but vainly against the JSTPS, even carrying hiscase to the President. Subsequently, the Navy tacitly allowed the Air Force to dominate the JSTPS. This
compromise integrated nuclear targeting while allowing each Service to protect its own prerogatives, theAir Force by controlling the bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) of SAC, the Navyby controlling its submarines through the naval components of LANTCOM, EUCOM, and PACOM.
During 1982 to 1983, a proposal was made to centralize the handling of all nuclear weapons withina strategic nuclear forces command. Here, and again in 1987, the JCS considered and rejected a unified
strategic command on grounds that the SAC/JSTPS system worked satisfactorily. But arms control
agreements and the end of the Cold War considerably reduced the size and importance of the strategic
nuclear arsenal. Because the strategic nuclear mission mattered less, the Services’ basic interests were2

Overviewno longer at stake. Quickly, long-standing barriers to unified command of strategic nuclear forces fellaway. The Chairman, General Colin L. Powell, USA, and the CINCSAC, General George Lee Butler,
USAF, took the lead in pushing through reorganization. The US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM)
began operations on 1 June 1992 and, simultaneously, SAC ceased to exist. In July 1993, mainly toconform to the Strategic Arms Reduction Talks II (START II) treaty, combatant command of heavy
bombers and strategic reconnaissance aircraft was shifted from USSTRATCOM to the newly expanded
Atlantic Command.
No issue connected with the UCP provoked more debate than unified command of deployablegeneral-purpose forces based in the continental United States (CONUS). In 1961 these forces consistedof the Strategic Army Corps (STRAC), the composite air strike forces of Tactical Air Command (TAC),
and Navy and Marine Corps units not assigned to unified commands. Secretary Robert S. McNamara
asked the JCS to develop a plan for integrating STRAC and TAC under a unified command. The Armyand Air Force readily concurred, provided that a new command eventually would include Navy andMarine Corps units. The Navy, claiming that its flexibility would suffer in a command tailored to
STRAC and TAC, suggested either organizing joint task forces or giving transport aircraft to the Army.
The Marines favored doing nothing more than developing a joint doctrine for the employment of theseforces. McNamara decided to activate Strike Command (STRICOM), under an Army general, withthe missions of conducting joint training, developing joint doctrine, providing a general reserve, andplanning contingency operations as directed by the JCS. The Navy and Marines wanted the UCP tostate that STRICOM would consist only of Army and Air Force units. McNamara refused but did not
integrate Navy and Marine units into the command.
It was not simply the absence of Navy and Marine units that denied STRICOM the ability to act
as joint force integrator. In 1962, when the Army started organizing an air assault division, the Armyand Air Force separately assessed its requirements for tactical mobility and air support; both Services
sought more air mobility assets. Secretary McNamara ordered CINCSTRIKE, General Paul D. Adams,
USA, to test and evaluate the joint aspects of Army air mobility concepts. But the Army balked at using
a standard “Reorganized Army Division” (ROAD) to support Air Force tests. Early in 1964 the JCS(less the Air Force) proposed and Secretary McNamara agreed that the Army would test its air mobility
concepts unilaterally and then recommend for joint testing any concepts needing validation. When
CINCSTRIKE sought a larger role, the JCS limited him to “actively observing” Army tests, thereby
abruptly ending joint evaluation of Army concepts.
Subsequently, CINCSTRIKE planned to use a ROAD brigade to test the Air Force concept for
air mobility during the autumn of 1964. McNamara ordered CINCSTRIKE to evaluate an Army air
assault exercise, to allow comparison of the ROAD and air assault divisions. The tests were scheduled
concurrently. CINCSTRIKE asked the Army to postpone its test for two weeks to allow his team toobserve both; the Army refused. The JCS did allow CINCSTRIKE to establish a joint observer group tomonitor both exercises but would not let him use the existing Inter-Service Coordination Board for that
purpose. Despite its support of STRICOM, Army attitudes had not advanced to the point of allowing
joint evaluation of an important Army program. The JCS acquiesced in this approach.
In 1963 STRICOM was given regional responsibilities. At a time when intervention in the Congo
seemed possible, the Army and Air Force proposed making STRICOM responsible for planning andoperations in the Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia (MEAFSA). Otherwise, they argued,
existing unified commands would have to execute operations using forces they had not trained and3History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012plans they had not prepared. The Navy saw no need for major changes; the Marine Corps worried that
adding area responsibilities would lead to a worldwide general purpose forces command. McNamara,agreeing with the Army and Air Force, did expand CINCSTRIKE’s responsibilities to include MEAFSA.
Subsequently, though, events undermined this change. In 1964, EUCOM, not CINCSTRIKE/MEAFSA,
coordinated a hostage rescue mission in the Congo because EUCOM provided the transports that carried Belgian paratroopers. In 1967, for the same reason, EUCOM conducted noncombatant evacuation
operations from Middle East countries during the Arab-Israeli War. In both cases, the unified commandwith the nearest forces, not STRICOM, executed the mission.
In 1970 a Blue Ribbon Defense Panel recommended merging LANTCOM and STRICOM into atactical or general purpose command, incorporating all CONUS-based general purpose forces assigned
to organized combat units. This idea surfaced 20 years too early and nothing came of it. Instead, in 1971
STRICOM/MEAFSA was disestablished; its replacement, a new Readiness Command (REDCOM),
was a version of the original STRICOM. The post-Vietnam climate, with public feeling running against
further overseas involvements, militated against a “Strike” command with far-flung responsibilities.
In 1974 the Navy and Marine Corps recommended replacing REDCOM with a joint training andexercise headquarters. Secretary James Schlesinger refused. He made REDCOM responsible for contingency planning and providing a Joint Task Force (JTF) headquarters staff for future operations but
gave REDCOM neither additional assets nor area responsibilities. The 1970s witnessed a reaction in
DOD against the centralization of the McNamara years, and the restrictions placed upon REDCOM
reflected this trend.
When Southwest Asia became a top strategic priority in the late 1970s, the Army and Air Forcepressed for assigning REDCOM all responsibility for major contingencies there. The Navy and Marine
Corps repeated their long-standing preference: let a CONUS-based JTF headquarters carry out planningand exercising, but pass operational control of forces to EUCOM once their deployment took place.
Secretary of Defense Harold Brown approved the Navy-Marine solution, but that proved to be only the
first step. Spurred by the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, what ultimately emerged was the US Central
Command (USCENTCOM) as the combatant area command, with REDCOM as its force provider.
USCINCRED kept his role limited and did not accomplish major initiatives in joint doctrine and integration. When the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) was activated in 1987, budgetary
constraints meant that a unified command had to disappear. REDCOM was the obvious choice.
Enactment of the Goldwater-Nichols DOD Reorganization Act in 1986, followed by the appointment of General Powell as Chairman, brought about a major change of course. Powell was determined
to make full use of his powers in fostering changes in the organization of combatant commands. Earlyin 1986, a Blue Ribbon Panel had proposed creating three major functional commands for strategic,
logistical, and tactical or general-purpose forces. Pressure from civilian leaders brought about theactivation of the US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) in 1987. But TRANSCOM’s Service
components retained operational command over their forces, controlled procurement and industrial
funds, and bore responsibility for performing Service-unique missions. General Powell worked with
Secretary of Defense Richard B. Cheney to push through a charter that gave the US Commander in
Chief, Transportation Command (USCINCTRANS) a peacetime as well as a wartime mission, andmade him the single manager of transportation assets in place of the Service Secretaries.
Not only was creation of USSTRATCOM basically the work of Generals Powell and Butler but
General Powell also took the initiative in creating a CONUS-based command designed to deal with

4

Overviewcontingencies and perform the function of joint force integrator. He believed that, while the unified
command system worked well overseas, CONUS forces were Service-oriented. Drawing upon the experiences of DESERT SHIELD/STORM, he rejected Marine arguments that a CONUS-based commandthat was globally oriented could not acquire regional expertise. Because it was CONUS-based and its
Cold War mission had been greatly reduced, Powell selected US Atlantic Command (USACOM), in
which all Services would be represented. As of 1 October 1993, an expanded USACOM had as its components Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) (which lost its status as the last specified command),Air Combat Command (ACC), Marine Forces Atlantic (MARLANT), and Atlantic Fleet (LANTFLT).
The Army wanted USACOM to control west coast Navy and Marine forces but argued against giving
it any area responsibilities. Powell decided to do just the opposite. Thus USACOM uniquely meldedarea and functional responsibilities. As the joint force integrator, it promised to open a new chapter inthe evolution of the joint system.
During the second half of the 1990s, the organization and focus of USACOM continued to be amajor issue facing joint planners. In late 1995, a new UCP assigned the waters off the Central and SouthAmerican coasts including the Caribbean basin, the Gulf of Mexico and portions of the Atlantic Ocean(all formerly part of the USCENTCOM AOR. While USACOM at this point retained a geographic
AOR, its future roles appeared linked to joint training and doctrine. Satisfied with the direction taken
in 1995, the Chairman, General John M. Shalikashvili, oversaw evolutionary changes, principally theassignment of former Soviet states to the geographic AORs of USEUCOM and USCENTCOM, during
the next UCP revision. The Western Slavic and Caucasus states—Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia,
Armenia, and Azerbaijan—were assigned to USEUCOM and the Central Asian states—Kazakhstan,
Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Krygizstan—came under USCENTCOM’s aegis in the
Unified Command Plan approved in January 1998.
The next cycle of UCP revision took up more far reaching change. In response to increasing threats
from terrorism, the new Chairman, General Hugh H. Shelton, USA, commissioned a study of how the
UCP should evolve as far forward as 2010. Chief among Shelton’s concerns were homeland defense a
and a further revision of USACOM’s role to address issues surrounding joint training and joint force
integration. After considering CINC recommendations, Joint Staff proposals and a contractor study
titled UCP 21, Shelton decided to give a redesigned USACOM the lead on a variety of joint issues including developing joint responses to emerging threats. Accordingly in the UCP approved on 29 September
1999, US Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) replaced USACOM. USJCOM would serve as the leadjoint force integrator, the lead agent for joint force training, and the DOD executive agent for joint force
experimentation. Operating under USJFCOM, JTF-Civil Support would plan for and integrate DOD
assistance to the federal agency leading the response to an attack using weapons of mass destruction
within the United States.
The UCP has exhibited great adaptability for more than 60 years of war and peace. Revisions led to
improved joint effort and enhanced COCOM authority. Unity of effort had suffered during the Korean
War because of the FECOM commander’s overreliance on an army staff and during the Vietnam War
because the Defense Secretary dealt directly with the theater commander, circumventing PACOM.
Worsening inter-Service rivalry in the immediate post-Vietnam era adversely affected US operations in
Grenada and led to congressionally mandated reforms in the Goldwater-Nichols legislation. Redefining
the Chairman’s role enabled him to promote jointness via reorganized combatant commands and newly
established functional commands. These reforms yielded decisive results in the first Gulf War of 1991.

5

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

The 21st century’s decade-long war on terror caused the UCP to adapt to multiple conflicts, including two major contingency operations, and simultaneously integrated new technologies, reorganize
COCOMs, and establish AFRICOM to meet emerging issues. JFCOM’s success in inculcating a joint
culture made its mission redundant. The dynamic continued between OSD initiatives for greater centralized control of the COCOMs without impinging on what the Services or the COCOMs understoodas their fundamental roles and missions.

6Part one
1946–1977

1946–1977
Origins in World War II
Unified command over US operational forces was adopted during World War II. It was a natural concomitant of the system of combined (US-British) command set up during that conflict by the Combined
Chiefs of Staff. Unified command called for a single commander, responsible to the Joint Chiefs of Staff,
assisted by a joint staff, and exercising command over all the units of his assigned force, regardless ofService. The system was generally applied during World War II in the conduct of individual operations
and within geographic theater commands.
Even before the war ended, the Joint Chiefs of Staff envisioned retention of the unified command
system in peacetime. They agreed that when General Eisenhower’s combined headquarters (Supreme
Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force) was dissolved, he would then become the commander of all
US forces in Europe. A directive appointing General Eisenhower as Commanding General, US Forces,
European Theater (CG USFET), was issued by the JCS on 28 June 1945, soon after V-E Day.
In the Pacific, attempts to establish a unified command for the entire area proved impossible. Service
interests precluded the subordination of either of the two major commanders in that area (General of
the Army Douglas MacArthur and Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz). During the final campaigns in
the Pacific, therefore, these two officers held separate commands, as Commander in Chief, US Army
Forces, Pacific (CINCAFPAC), and Commander in Chief, US Pacific Fleet (CINCPAC), respectively.

The First Unified Command Plan, 1946
The impetus for the establishment of a postwar system of unified command over US military forces
worldwide stemmed from the Navy’s dissatisfaction with this divided command in the Pacific. On 1
February 1946, the CNO characterized the existing arrangement, with Army and Navy forces under
separate command, as “ambiguous” and “unsatisfactory.” He favored establishing a single commandover the entire Pacific Theater (excluding Japan, Korea, and China), whose commander would have ajoint staff and would exercise “unity of command” over all US forces in the theater.
This CNO proposal was discussed at some length. It was opposed by representatives of the Armyand Army Air Forces, who favored unity of command on a basis of assignment of mission and forces,
rather than assignment of area of responsibility. The Navy’s plan, they feared, would deprive General
MacArthur of control of ground and air forces that he might need for his mission.1
After considerable discussion, a compromise emerged as part of a comprehensive worldwide systemof unified command for US forces under JCS control. The resulting “Outline Command Plan,” which wasin effect the first Unified Command Plan, was approved by President Truman on 14 December 1946. It
called for the eventual establishment, as an “interim measure for the immediate postwar period,” of sevenunified commands. These commands, their areas of responsibility, and their missions were as follows:
Far East Command. US forces in Japan, Korea, the Ryukyus, the Philippines, the Marianas, andthe Bonins. Its commander, CINCFE, would carry out occupation duties, maintain the security of his
9History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

command, plan and prepare for a general emergency in his area, support CINCPAC, and command
US forces in China in an emergency.
Pacific Command. Forces allocated by the JCS within the Pacific area. CINCPAC would defend
the US against attack through the Pacific, conduct operations in the Pacific, and maintain security of
US island positions and sea and air communications, support US military commitments in China, planand prepare for a general emergency, and support CINCFE and CINCAL.
Alaskan Command. US forces in Alaska, including the Aleutians. CINCAL would protect Alaska,
including sea and air communications, and protect the United States from attack through Alaska
and the Arctic regions. He would plan and prepare for a general emergency and support CINCFE,
CINCPAC, and CG SAC.
Northeast Command. US forces assigned to Newfoundland, Labrador, and Greenland. CINCNE
would maintain the security of his area and defend the United States against attack through the Arctic
regions within his command; protect sea and air communications in his area; control Arctic airways
as appropriate; support CINCEUR, Commander in Chief, Atlantic Fleet, (CINCLANTFLT) and SAC;
and plan and prepare for a general emergency.
Atlantic Fleet. Comprising forces assigned to the Atlantic Fleet, US Navy. CINCLANTFLT would
defend the United States against attack through the Atlantic; plan and prepare for a general emergency;
and support US forces in Europe, the Mediterranean, the Northeast, and the Caribbean.
Caribbean Command. US forces in Panama and the Antilles. CINCARIB would defend theUnited States against attack through his area; defend sea and air communications (with CNO coordinating between CINCARIB and CINCLANTFLT); secure the Panama Canal and US bases inPanama and the Caribbean; plan and prepare for a general emergency; and support CINCLANTFLT.
European Command. All forces allocated to the European Theater by the JCS or other authority.
CINCEUR would occupy Germany, support the national policy in Europe “within the scope of his
command responsibility,” and plan and prepare for a general emergency.
The general principles established by the UCP were as follows:
Unified command in each command will be established in accordance, in so far as practicable,with Chapter 2, paragraph 12, of Joint Action of the Army and the Navy, [with] component forcesconsisting of Army, Army Air, and Naval forces. Forces assigned to a command will normallyconsist of two or more components and each will be commanded directly by an officer of thatcomponent. Each commander will have a joint staff with appropriate members from the various
components of the Services under his command in key positions of responsibility. Commandersof component forces will communicate directly with appropriate headquarters on matters suchas administration, training, and supply, expenditure of appropriate funds, and authorization of
construction, which are not a responsibility of a unified command. The assignment of forces andthe significant changes therein will be as determined by the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The JCS would exercise strategic direction over all elements of the armed forces. They would assign
forces to the unified commands and prescribe the missions and tasks of those commands. The Services
would retain operational control of all forces not specifically assigned by the JCS. Each unified command would operate under a designated Service Chief acting as executive agent for the JCS: the Chiefof Staff, US Army; the Chief of Naval Operations; or the Commanding General, Army Air Forces (CG,AAF) (later Chief of Staff, US Air Force).
10

1946–1977

By a separate provision of the UCP, the JCS recognized the existence of the Strategic Air Command(SAC), a command of the Army Air Forces (later USAF) which was not normally based overseas. It
was made up of strategic air forces of the Army Air Forces not otherwise assigned. The commander of
SAC was responsible to the JCS, but no specific mission was assigned to him by the JCS at that time.
SAC became the first example of what was later designated a specific command though the term did
not come into use until 1951.2

CINCFE, CINCPAC, CINCAL, CINCEUR
Approval of the UCP did not in itself establish the commands named in the plan; a separate implementing directive was required for each command. The first three to be created were the Far East Command(FECOM), Pacific Command (PACOM), and Alaskan Command (ALCOM). A JCS directive of 16
December 1946 established these commands effective 1 January 1947. The executive agents for thesecommands were the CSA, CNO, and CG, AAF, respectively.3
The next to be established was the European Command (EUCOM), established by directive of 24
February 1947, effective 15 March 1947, with the CSA as executive agent. In effect, CINCEUR was simply a new title for CG USFET. Since the latter had earlier been given direct command over US groundforces in Europe, no intermediate Army component headquarters was necessary.4

CINCLANTFor the Atlantic, the original UCP would have set up a purely naval command under JCS direction (CINCLANTFLT). On 5 August 1947 the CNO recommended instead that CINCLANTFLT be established
as a fully unified commander under the broader title of Commander in Chief, Atlantic (CINCLANT),
and with its mission being “to conduct operations in the Atlantic,” instead of the narrower phraseology
used in the UCP: “to control the sea and secure the airways through the Atlantic.” Also, the relations
between the Atlantic and Caribbean Commands required clarification, in the CNO’s view. Finally, theCNO recommended that the JCS assume direction of US Naval Forces, Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean (NAVEASTLANTMED, formerly US Naval Forces Europe, or USNAVEUR).5
The Army and Army Air Forces members on the JCS considered it “neither necessary nor
desirable” to broaden the status and mission of CINCLANTFLT as the CNO desired or to give
CINCLANTFLT command over ground and air forces. The JCS postponed action on this matter
while they dealt with less controversial aspects of unified command. Effective 1 November 1947,
CINCARIB and CINCLANTFLT were activated, and CINCNAVEASTLANTMED (shortened in
May 1948 to CINCNELM) was placed under JCS direction. The CSA became executive agent for
CINCARIB and the CNO for the other two. CINCARIB assumed command of all US forces in the
Caribbean Islands and the Panama area except for certain fleet units and facilities that were placed
under operational control of CINCLANTFLT.6
A few days later, the CNO renewed his suggestion for the establishment of a unified Atlantic Command. This time his colleagues withdrew their objections, and on 1 December 1947, the Atlantic Command (LANTCOM) was created under the Commander in Chief, Atlantic (CINCLANT).7
Thus by the end of 1947, action had been taken on all of the seven commands envisioned in theoriginal UCP except the Northeast Command (CINCNE). This presented political difficulties involving

11

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

the Canadian Government, as described below. Meanwhile the National Security Act of 1947 had been
passed by Congress and signed by the President; it gave the JCS a legal basis for existence and affirmed
their responsibility for establishing unified commands in “strategic areas,” “subject to the authority
and direction of the President and the Secretary of Defense.”8

Developments in 1948
As a result of continuing controversies over the roles and missions of the Services, the Secretary of
Defense met with the Joint Chiefs of Staff at Key West, Florida, in March 1948 and worked out a detailed
statement of the functions of each Service and of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This Key West Agreement,
approved by the President and the Secretary of Defense and formally issued on 21 April 1948, recognized
the JCS responsibility for unified commands and allowed them to authorize unified commanders “toestablish such subordinate unified commands as may be necessary.” It also sanctioned the practice,already well established, of designating a JCS member as executive agent for each command.9
Several months later, mounting tensions in Europe led the Joint Chiefs of Staff to enlarge CINCEUR’s mission somewhat. On 30 June 1948, they directed CINCEUR to supervise and coordinate allplans and actions of US forces under his command (and such other forces as might be made available in a
general emergency) and to maintain reserve forces that could be employed elsewhere in an emergency.10
Neither CINCEUR nor other unified commanders had been assigned logistic or administrative
responsibilities under the original UCP. The Joint Chiefs of Staff recognized a need to grant them such
responsibilities and did so in an amendment to the UCP on 7 September 1948. Commanders of unified commands were made responsible for “coordination of logistic and administrative support of thecomponent forces of their unified command,” subject to legislative limitations, departmental regulations, and budgetary considerations.11
On 29 September 1948, the JCS assigned to CINCNELM responsibility for joint planning at thetheater level for implementation within his area of joint plans directed by them. “This planning,”
they stated, “will be accomplished for all three US Military Services, and will include plans for theemployment of such other forces as may be available for meeting a general emergency. CINCNELM’splanning for employment of the Strategic Air Forces will be confined to logistic planning in supportof such operations.”12
The status of SAC as a command under JCS direction was clarified by two directives issued by
the JCS in 1949. On 4 January they designated the CSAF their executive agent for SAC. On 13 April
the missions of CG, SAC, (or CINCSAC, as he was later called) were set forth. He was charged withcommand over all forces allocated to him by the JCS or other authority and was assigned definite missions, including the conduct of strategic air operations or such other air operations as the JCS directed
and with the support of other commanders under the JCS. He was also charged with planning for his
assigned missions.13

Northeast Command
The question of activating the Northeast Command, to cover the approach route for enemy attack
across Greenland, Labrador, and Newfoundland, was addressed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff in November
1948. At that time, the CNO expressed opposition to the establishment of a unified command in that12

1946–1977

area. There were, in his view, too few US forces there to justify a unified command; moreover, its location in foreign territory would provide excellent propaganda for the communists and would generate
misunderstanding and friction with Canada and the United Kingdom. The CNO favored instead an
Air Force command in the area, under JCS operational control exercised through the CSAF (in effect,a specified command). The Chiefs of Staff of the Army and Air Force rejoined that the JCS would be“derelict if they did not provide a command structure for the efficient, integrated control of . . . forces”
in the area in question. Thereupon, the CNO evidently withdrew his objection. In April 1949 the JCS
approved the establishment of the Northeast Command and sought approval from the Secretary of
Defense to issue a directive for the command. Recognizing the political sensitivity of the issue, they
cautioned the Secretary against publicity and urged that the action be coordinated through the US/
Canadian Permanent Joint Board on Defense (PJBD). This recommendation was adopted; the Secretaryof Defense instructed the US section of the PJBD to inform their Canadian colleagues that the UnitedStates intended to establish the command.14
The Canadian Government asked that the new command be titled “US Forces, Northeast.” As acompromise, the JCS suggested “US Northeast Command,” which Canada accepted. By a JCS decision
on 29 August 1950, approved by the Secretary of Defense on 8 September, the US Northeast Command
was established effective 1 October 1950, with the CSAF as executive agent.15

Changes in the European Theater, 1949–1952
Important political developments occurring in Europe in 1949 were reflected in altered command
arrangements. On 23 May 1949, the JCS removed US Forces in Austria from assignment to EUCOM,
setting up these forces as an independent command responsible directly to the JCS. Several weeks later,when the President appointed a civilian High Commissioner for Germany, CINCEUR was relievedof his responsibilities as Military Governor of Germany. Changes in his mission affected by the JCS
spelled out his relationship with the High Commissioner.16
The year 1949 also saw the establishment of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, (NATO). In
the ensuing months, NATO moved to shore up the defenses of Western Europe against a possible attackfrom the east. These developments showed a need for a stronger US air command in Europe. The JCS
approved establishment of the Commander in Chief, US Air Forces in Europe (CINCUSAFE), on 20
November 1950 at the same level as CINCEUR and CINCNELM. Since those two commands were ineffect Army and Navy commands, the result was three separate Service commands for the Europeanarea. The CSAF was named the JCS executive agent for CINCUSAFE. Missions of CINCLANT, CINCEUR and CINCNELM were modified as necessitated by creation of the new command.17
In 1951 the position of Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR), was established and tobe held by a US officer. SACEUR was given “operational command, to the extent necessary for theaccomplishment of your mission,” of all US forces in Europe, regardless of Service: that is US [Army]
Forces, Europe; US Air Forces, Europe; and US Naval Forces, Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean.
The precise relationship between SACEUR and US commands remained to be spelled out indetail. On 7 July 1952, the President approved recommendations by the JCS that effected fundamental changes in unified command in Europe. Those changes vested requisite command authority in
one individual. With presidential concurrence, the JCS established a full-fledged unified commandin Europe under the title US European Command (USEUCOM) under a Commander in Chief, US

13

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

European Command (USCINCEUR), who was also SACEUR. USCINCEUR exercised unified command and authority (except to the extent that operational control was exercised by NATO commanders) over all US forces allocated him by the JCS or other competent authority. He was granted covert
limited authority to operate in Berlin, Austria, Trieste and Yugoslavia when so directed by the JCS.
USCINCEUR was instructed to establish a US headquarters with a deputy and joint US staff at theearliest practicable date. He was encouraged to delegate extensive authority to his deputy. The existing“JCS commands” in Europe—EUCOM, NELM and USAFE—were designated component commands
under the new US European Command, although unilateral Service functions would still be handled
through single Service channels. EUCOM was to be given a new title and would continue as a JCS
specified command for missions with respect to Berlin. Both NELM and USAFE would continue as
specified commands for currently assigned missions outside USCINCEUR’s area of responsibility.
The CSA was designated executive agent for USEUCOM, and for the old European Command, now
redesignated US Army Forces Europe (USAREUR). The CNO was named executive agent for NELM
and the CSAF for USAFE.18
USCINCEUR assumed command in Europe effective 1 August 1952. In a message approved by the
Secretary of Defense, the JCS on 2 December 1952 spelled out for USCINCEUR his geographical areaof responsibility: Norway, Denmark, Western Germany, Berlin, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Austria, Trieste, the Mediterranean Sea, the Mediterranean Islands(exclusive of the Balearics), Algerian Departments of France, and the United Kingdom, including theterritorial waters of those countries. His only authority for the rest of continental Europe was in thefield of covert military planning. His North African responsibilities were limited to joint planning in
French Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya and to military aspects of negotiations for base rights. The Secretaryof Defense delegated some of his responsibilities concerning the Mutual Security Program (MSP) in
Europe to USCINCEUR on 15 July 1952. He directed that USCINCEUR administer the military aspectsof the MSP, including the control and administration of military units engaged in military assistance.
USCINCEUR would also coordinate US military matters that were of joint logistical or administrative
nature, including military assistance activities, US military procurement, base rights negotiations, andbase construction.19

Clarifying Responsibilities, 1950
Following a review of missions and deployments of US forces, the JCS approved several changes tothe basic UCP on 16 February 1950. They removed South Korea from CINCFE’s area of responsibility but added the Volcano Islands, while also divesting CINCFE of some responsibilities for China.
CINCEUR was relieved of his requirement to maintain reserve forces, and CINCAL and CINCNE
were charged with coordinating Arctic airways. Finally, the statement that the UCP was an “interim
measure” was deleted.20
The status of forces under one unified commander operating within the general area assigned
to another commander was the subject of a JCS directive of 27 April 1950. The JCS did not intend tolimit unified commanders rigidly to fixed geographic boundaries but wished rather to leave them
free to operate where necessary to carry out their assigned missions. Commanders were authorized
to extend operations into areas normally under cognizance of another commander if necessary forthe accomplishment of assigned tasks. In routine operational matters, commanders under the JCS

14

1946–1977

were enjoined to coordinate closely with each other. Forces sent to reinforce a unified commander(or other commander operating under JCS direction) would be assigned to that commander’s operational control.21
Adjustments in areas of responsibilities affecting CINCARIB, CINCLANT and, to a lesser extent,
CINCPAC, were ordered by the JCS in the early 1950s. In changes to the UCP suggested by the CNO
and approved by the JCS on 18 July 1950, CINCLANT was given the missions of protecting Caribbean
sea communications, to include antisubmarine warfare (ASW) operations and the control, routing, andprotection of shipping. Commander, Caribbean Sea Frontier (COMCARIBSEAFRON), would performthese missions for CINCLANT. Additionally, CINCLANT was charged with furnishing CINCARIB
with sealift in an emergency. CINCARIB’s mission was modified accordingly. He was also directed tocoordinate with British, Venezuelan, and Dutch authorities in protecting oil fields in Venezuela, Trinidad, and Curacao. These changes brought questions from both CINCLANT and CINCARIB, whichcalled forth clarifications on 21 August 1950. The JCS made CINCLANT responsible for protectionof the Pacific Ocean approaches to the Panama Canal and made it clear that COMCARIBSEAFRON
was directly responsible to CINCLANT for protection of sea communications in the Caribbean and
the Pacific approaches. (In early 1951, protection of the Pacific approaches to the Panama Canal was
reassigned from CINCLANT to CINCPAC.)22

Command in the Far East during the Korean War
The outbreak of the Korean War and subsequent developments in the Far East put the US unified
command there to a test, which it passed readily. Although General MacArthur, as CINCFE, had beenrelieved of responsibility for South Korea, early US reactions to the North Korean attack on 25 June
1950 were taken through his command, which was conveniently located for the purpose. These initial
reactions, including logistic support to the Republic of Korea (ROK); protection of evacuation; air operations; and, eventually, ground operations were taken with presidential approval outside the authorityof the unified command under the UCP. On 10 July at the request of the United Nations, President
Truman directed General MacArthur to establish the United Nations Command (UNC) for purposesof operations against the North Korean invaders. From that point General MacArthur, as CINCFE,
supported the operations of the UNC, which he commanded as CINCUNC. However, his primary
responsibility as CINCFE remained the defense of Japan. Over the strong objections of CINCFE, theJCS transferred the Marianas-Bonin and Volcano Islands from his responsibility and placed them under
CINCPAC. The President concurred in this action on 9 April 1951. Further transfers of responsibility
from CINCFE were approved by the JCS in late 1951, when they made CINCPAC responsible for US
security interests in the Philippines, the Pescadores, and Formosa.23
In seeking presidential approval of these actions, the JCS also noted a need for a change in theprovisions in the UCP relating to the control of units designated for atomic operations. The existing
UCP assigned these units to the control of SAC but provided that in case of “dire emergency” othercommanders might request authority from the JCS to assume temporary operational control of such
units. The JCS now recommended that when lack of communications prevented a commander fromapplying to the JCS for such authority in a “dire emergency,” he might assume temporary operational
control without further authorization. On 22 January 1952, the Secretary of Defense approved this andthe other amendments to the UCP recommended by the JCS.24

15

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

In the Far East Command as organized under General MacArthur, there were component commanders for the Air Force and Navy: Commanding General, Far East Air Forces (CG FEAF), andCommander, Naval Forces, Far East (COMNAVFE). General MacArthur himself, however, retained
direct command of Army components, wearing a second hat as Commanding General, Army Forces
Far East (CG AFFE). His staff was essentially an Army staff, except for a Joint Strategic Plans andOperations Group (JSPOG), which had Air Force and Navy representation. In 1952, after General
MacArthur had left FECOM, the headquarters of Army Forces Far East was fully staffed and placedon a par with the other two component commands, and the Far East Command was given a truly
joint staff.25

Interim Revision of the UCP, 1952–1953
The establishment of USEUCOM in July 1952 with attendant changes in the command structure inEurope, as described earlier, pointed to a need for a new UCP. A draft revision submitted by the JCS to
the Secretary of Defense on 24 December 1952 incorporated these changes and extended USCINCEUR’s
responsibilities to include planning for military operations in Spain and Yugoslavia. At the same time
the revision proposed to centralize ASW responsibilities under CINCLANT and CINCPAC in theirrespective areas, ending the existing situation whereby ASW responsibility in the Atlantic was divided
among CINCLANT, CINCNELM, and CINCNE.26
The revised plan also listed those responsibilities given USCINCEUR for coordinating logistical andadministrative matters, such as military assistance and base rights negotiation. Because the CSA waslisted as the executive agent for USCINCEUR, the plan could be read as broadening the responsibilities
of executive agents beyond the sphere of strategic direction and operational control of forces. This aspectof the plan attracted unfavorable attention from the new administration that took office in January 1953,
just after the JCS plan was completed. The new Secretary of Defense, Charles E. Wilson, at once began
a review of DOD organization and functions, focusing particularly on the role of executive agents. On
13 February Secretary Wilson instructed the JCS to rewrite the plan to stipulate that USCINCEUR’slogistic and administrative responsibilities were exercised on the authority of the Secretary of Defense.
Thus revised, the plan was approved by the Secretary on 30 June 1953, purely for use in the preparationof emergency plans and without prejudice to later modifications. The JCS promulgated the plan, withthis limitation, on 24 July 1953.27

1953 Change in the Executive Agent System
The Eisenhower administration’s review of DOD organization stemmed from a promise made byGeneral Eisenhower during his successful campaign in 1952. The result was a reorganization plan sent
to Congress in April 1953. This plan had several objectives, one of which was to strengthen civilian
control of the military forces. With this end in view, the President directed that authority to appoint
executive agents for unified and specified commands be transferred from the Joint Chiefs of Staff to
the Secretary of Defense, who would name the secretary of a military department to act in this capacity
for each command (although the Secretaries would be authorized to delegate this responsibility to themilitary Chiefs of their Services). This change, according to the President, would strengthen civilian
control by fixing responsibility along a definite channel of accountable civilian officials. It would also161946–1977

allow the Joint Chiefs to concentrate on strategic planning and policy advice by freeing them fromoperational responsibilities.28
The transfer of authority to name executive agents was accomplished by revising the Key West
Agreement on 21 April 1948. The Secretary of Defense approved the revision on 1 October 1953 andcirculated it on 16 March 1954. On 15 January 1954, he designated the following executive agencies forthe unified and specified commands: the Department of the Army for the Far East Command, Caribbean Command, and US European Command; the Department of the Navy for the Atlantic Command,
Pacific Command, and US Naval Forces, Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean; and the Department of
the Air Force for the Alaskan Command, US Northeast Command, Strategic Air Command, and US
Air Forces, Europe.29

An Air Force Component for CINCPAC
At the beginning of 1954, the US Air Force component commander for CINCPAC also held the positionof senior US Air Force officer of the Pacific Division, Military Air Transport Service. Since this officer
had no staff as component commander, he could not adequately assist CINCPAC in performing his
assigned missions. The Joint Chiefs of Staff on 2 April 1954, in connection with CINCPAC’s planningfor the defense of Taiwan, directed the CSAF to establish an Air Force component of Pacific Command,with a designated component commander and appropriate staff. To avoid duplication, the component
commander was to act as a subordinate commander of CG FEAF on matters pertaining solely to the US
Air Force. On 5 June 1954, the CSAF announced that the Pacific Air Force would be established effective
1 July 1954 as the Air Force component command under CINCPAC with headquarters in Hawaii.30

Continental Air Defense Command EstablishedBy 1954 the increasing threat of Soviet atomic air attack on the continental United States led the JCS
to establish a command, including forces of all three Services, to defend against this new danger. In
arriving at this decision, the JCS were responding, in part, to conclusions reached by the Eisenhoweradministration on the need to improve continental air defenses, including command arrangements.
The actual form of the new organization, arrived at after lengthy discussion, was a “joint,” rather
than a “unified” or “specified” command. This terminology was adopted to allow issuance of termsof reference that might not fit exactly the definitions of these two forms of command organization.31
The JCS informed the Secretary of Defense of their intention to form the Continental Air Defense
Command (CONAD) on 25 July 1954; he indicated his approval on 30 July and, in accordance, with a JCS
recommendation, named the Secretary of the Air Force as his executive agent for the new command.32
The JCS issued terms of reference for CONAD, establishing its activation date as 1 September 1954
and designating Headquarters US Air Force Air Defense Command, augmented by representatives ofthe other Services, to be the Headquarters, Continental Air Defense Command, at Ent Air Force Base,Colorado. The Commander in Chief, Continental Air Defense Command (CINCONAD), was also
designated Commander, US Air Force Air Defense Command, a component command.
The new command was to consist initially of the US Air Force Air Defense Command, the US
Army Antiaircraft Command, and a naval command composed of the forces of the contiguous naval
radar coverage system. Forces of the seaward extensions of the early warning system (as distinct from17

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

contiguous forces) were to continue under CINCLANT and CINCPAC, and the early warning installations in Alaska and US Northeast Command were to continue under CINCAL and CINCNE.33

The Unified Command Plan, 1955
Earlier, Secretary Wilson had directed the JCS to make recommendations to him with respect to theunified command system areas and executive agent responsibilities. In studying these matters the JCS
came to the conclusion that because of unsettled world conditions, no major revisions in the command
structure should be made at that time. They agreed instead to bring the limited interim UCP of 24 July
1953 into line with the revised Key West Agreement and the establishment of CONAD. After considerable review and personal consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the JCS submitted a revised UCP
for his approval on 18 February 1955. The only substantive changes from the earlier version involved
those necessitated by the creation of CONAD and the establishment of an early warning system. On 2
March 1955, the Secretary of Defense approved this revision of the UCP and directed the JCS to keep
the unified command structure under continuing review, reporting to him on the subject at least once
each year. The plan was distributed on 9 March 1955.34

Changes in Terms of Reference for CONAD
After two years’ experience with the command arrangements they had established for CONAD, theJCS concluded that the “double hatted” arrangement by which CINCONAD was also commander ofthe Air Force Component (Air Defense Command) was not desirable. They accordingly informed theSecretary of Defense on 5 June 1956 that CINCONAD should not serve as the commander of the Air
Defense Command but should establish a separate and distinct headquarters (including a joint staff)
for CONAD and exercise operational control over all components and assigned forces. However, theJCS could not agree on the meaning of “operational control.” The CJCS, supported by the CMC, CSAF,
and CNO, wanted a clear and unequivocal delegation of authority to CINCONAD to centralize control
of all operations down to the assignment of targets to individual antiaircraft batteries. The CSA, who
was particularly concerned that Army antiaircraft unit commanders would lose the right to engage
targets of opportunity, insisted that CINCONAD share responsibility for operational control with hiscomponent commanders through a requirement to “coordinate” with them. However, the JCS were
all in agreement that CINCONAD’s responsibilities should be strengthened by assigning him specificresponsibility to submit estimates of force and weapons requirements to the JCS. The Secretary of
Defense resolved the split in favor of the JCS majority; the new terms of reference were issued to CINCONAD on 4 September 1956.35

Reorganization in 1956: Abolition of CINCFEThe first of the annual reviews of the UCP directed by the Secretary of Defense was carried out by
the JCS in 1956. On 4 June of that year they submitted a revised UCP, in which they proposed some
important changes. The responsibilities of CONAD would be enlarged to include air defense of Alaska
and the Northeast. The US Northeast Command would be abolished. The Alaskan Command would
continue but with sharply reduced responsibility, since it would also lose the mission of protecting sea

18

1946–1977

communications in Alaskan waters, which would be assumed by CINCPAC. In Europe, USAFE would
be abolished as a specified command but would continue as the Air Force component of USEUCOM.
A Middle East Command (MECOM) would be established some time in the future, at which time theNavy specified command, CINCNELM, would be abolished. (CINCNELM had already been relieved of
responsibility for preparing plans for the Middle East, which had been assigned to an OCJS committee,
the Joint Middle East Planning Committee.) CINCARIB’s status would be considerably altered. His
responsibility for defending the US against attack through the Caribbean and for security of bases andpossessions in that sea would be transferred to CINCLANT. On the other hand, CINCARIB would
become responsible for representing US interests and administering the Mutual Defense Assistance
Program (MDAP) in Central and South America (less Mexico); he would also continue to administer
the MDAP in the Caribbean Islands. The plan also provided that, unless specifically authorized, no
unified commander was to exercise direct command of any of the Service components or of a subordinate force. This would mean that CINCPAC would no longer exercise direct command of the PacificFleet, as he had been doing.
The future of the Far East Command was the subject of a disagreement, which the JCS referred to
the Secretary of Defense for decision. Four of the members recommended that CINCFE be abolishedand his functions turned over to CINCPAC. They believed that the divided command in the Western
Pacific-Far East area should be abolished, particularly in view of the dwindling US military strength inJapan and Korea, which cast doubt on the advisability of a separate command for that region. The lonedissenter was the CSA, who argued that an attempt to split up CINCFE’s multiple functions—as a US
commander, as commander of the UNC in Korea, and as military governor of the Ryukyu Islands—
would produce inefficiency and higher costs. He wanted the Far East Command to be expanded, with
CINCFE given responsibility for Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, places where
the CSA perceived a growing communist threat. Especially, he wanted CINCFE to assume the supervision of military assistance in those regions.36
The Secretary of Defense approved the proposed new UCP on 21 June 1956. In so doing, heapproved the disestablishment of CINCFE, effective 1 July 1957. The President subsequently approved
his decisions, and the revised plan was distributed on 3 July 1956. A JCS directive had already abolished
USAFE as a specified command on 1 July. The US Northeast Command was disestablished effective 1
September 1956.37
An outline plan for disestablishing CINCFE and redistributing his responsibilities was approvedby the JCS and the Secretary of Defense and took effect on 1 July 1957. A subordinate unified command under CINCPAC was established in Japan: Commander, US Forces (COMUS) Japan. The senior
US Army officer in Korea was designated Commander, US Forces, Korea (COMUSKOREA), directly
subordinate to the Commanding General, US Army, Pacific (CG USARPAC); he was also named CINCUNC. CG, USARPAC, became governor of the Ryukyu Islands.38
CINCPAC, whose responsibilities were enlarged upon the disappearance of FECOM, gave up directcommand of the Pacific Fleet, in accord with the UCP of 3 July 1956. He delegated this command to
the Deputy CINCPAC. Later (13 January 1958), the Deputy position was abolished and replaced byCommander in Chief, Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT), as the naval component command of PACOM.39
The disestablishment of FECOM was reflected in a revised UCP drawn up by the JCS in 1957 following their annual review of the unified command system. During this review, at the direction of the
Deputy Secretary of Defense, they examined the advisability of retaining ALCOM. They concluded

19

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

that, despite ALCOM’s reduced responsibilities, its strategic location and its responsibilities for grounddefense of the Alaska area justified its retention.40

Establishment of CINCNORAD; Alteration of CINCONAD’s Status
In September 1957 a combined US-Canadian command, the North American Air Defense Command(NORAD), was established to defend the Continental United States, Canada, and Alaska against air
attack. At that time CINCONAD was also designated CINCNORAD, and the establishment of this USCanadian command made a new directive for CINCONAD necessary. The Joint Chiefs of Staff accordingly issued terms of reference to CINCONAD, effective 10 June 1958. CINCONAD was designatedsenior US officer in NORAD headquarters and given operational control over US forces assigned tohim in carrying out the following missions: defending US installations in Greenland against air attack;assisting in the defense of Canada and Mexico; and coordinating and implementing purely national
matters pertaining to the air defense of the continental United States and Alaska.41

Department of Defense Reorganization, 1958
By 1958 President Eisenhower had become convinced that rapidly developing military technology,
as dramatized by the launching of the first Soviet satellite, Sputnik, demanded a more unified andstreamlined chain of command to deploy combat forces. The days of separate land, sea and air warfare
were over, the President believed; therefore complete unification of all military planning and combat
forces and commands was essential. To this end, the President proposed and the Congress enacted
the Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1958, amending the National Security Act of 1947.
The new law authorized the President, acting through the Secretary of Defense and with the adviceof the JCS, to establish unified and specified commands, to assign missions to them, and to determine
their force structure. This provision did not alter procedure or confer any new authorities, since underthe 1947 law the JCS had taken these actions subject to the “authority and direction” of the President.
The intent of the new law was to establish a clear line of command from the President through theSecretary, with the JCS as the Secretary’s operational staff. The commanders of unified and specified
commands were made responsible to the President and Secretary of Defense for carrying out assigned
missions and were delegated full “operational command” over forces assigned to them. Forces, once
assigned, could only be transferred with presidential approval. However, responsibility for administration of these forces remained with the respective Military Departments.42
By separate executive action, the President, through the Secretary of Defense, discontinued thedesignation of military departments as executive agents for unified and specified commands. Henceforth, the chain of command would run from the President to the Secretary of Defense to the unified
and specified commanders. The Joint Chiefs of Staff were assigned to serve as the Secretary’s staff in
performing this function. Orders issued by them to the commands would be in the name of, and under
the authority of, the Secretary of Defense.43
Necessary revisions of the UCP to bring it into conformity with the Defense Reorganization Act
were approved by the President and issued by the Secretary of Defense, based on JCS recommendations,on 4 September 1958. They were issued to the commanders on 8 September. This revised plan redesignated CONAD a unified rather than a joint command. It also authorized component commanders

20

1946–1977

to communicate directly with their Service Chiefs on administration, personnel, training, doctrine,
logistics, communications, and other matters of uniservice interest.44
The Secretary of Defense, again on JCS advice, took an additional step to implement the Reorganization Act on 2 February 1959, when he approved a definition for “operational command,” as delegatedby the Act to commanders of unified and specified commands. It contained the following elements: todirect the composition of subordinate forces, assign tasks, designate objectives, control overall assigned
resources, and exercise full authoritative direction necessary to accomplish the mission. Operationalcommand would be exercised through Service component commanders or commanders of subordinate
commands, if established. This definition was included in the 1963 revision of the UCP and amended tostate specifically that operational command did not include such matters as administration, discipline,
internal organization, and unit training.45

The Revised Unified Command Plan, 1961
A revised UCP was approved by the President on 30 December 1960 and issued to commanders on 4
February 1961. It introduced only one significant substantive change in existing authorities of unified
and specified commanders: deletion of the authority for a commander, in times of dire emergency,
to assert operational command of forces scheduled for, or actually engaged in, operations under war
plans approved by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This deletion was made on the recommendation of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff, who feared the consequences to the orderly conduct of operations that might
result from a diversion of forces by a unified or specified commander. Of particular concern was any
diversion of SAC forces engaged in assigned general war missions, where centralized control overtiming, penetration, and weight of effort were essential to a successful effort. Of lesser concern were
the possible adverse effects of diversions of naval and ground forces transiting a unified commandarea en route to accomplish assigned missions in other areas. In addition, provisions of CINCONAD’s
terms of reference were incorporated in the UCP and his separate terms of reference rescinded.46

Refining Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Responsibilities
Political developments in the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean during the 1960s presented newchallenges to the United States and called for adjustments in the military command structure. The firstof these changes concerned the Middle East. Pending activation of a Middle East Command, CINCNELM was acting as specified commander responsible for the conduct of operations in countries eastof Libya and south of Turkey, and in the Arabian and Red Seas and the Bay of Bengal. In 1959, however,reconsideration of this temporary arrangement became necessary because the Department of State
opposed creation of a military command in the Middle East. When queried by the JCS, USCINCEUR
and CINCNELM each insisted that he was best qualified to assume Middle East planning responsibilities. The Army and Air Force Chiefs of Staff agreed with USCINCEUR, on grounds that assignmentof these functions to CINCNELM might violate the 1958 Reorganization Act’s concept of unity ofcommand and that it was “an anomaly” for CINCNELM, a subordinate of USCINCEUR, to exercise
operational control over the forces of his superior. In fact, they favored disestablishment of CINCNELM
as a specified command. But the CNO and the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) maintainedthat experiences in Suez and Lebanon demonstrated the necessity for retaining a specified commander

21

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012(i.e., CINCNELM) unencumbered by NATO responsibilities.47
Concurrently, two additional problems arose. First, the CNO proposed that CINCNELM’s title,in his capacity as naval component commander to USCINCEUR, should be changed to USCINCNAVEUR—an appellation more descriptive of his responsibilities in USEUCOM. Second, the CSAF
complained about CINCNELM’s practice of identifying himself as Commander in Chief, Specified
Command, Middle East (CINCSPECOMME), saying that the JCS had neither recognized nor authorized that title. The CNO, in rebuttal, defended the use of the title as “a very practical and customarymeans of facilitating the performance of CINCNELM’s Middle East mission.”48
In February 1960 the Secretary of Defense settled these questions on the basis of an “interim
solution” suggested by the JCS Chairman. First, CINCNELM was renamed CINCUSNAVEUR whenacting in his component capacity. Second, CINCNELM was confirmed as a specified commander andauthorized to carry out contingency and general war planning and to continue coordinated planningwith the British. Third, CINCNELM would cease using the title CINCSPECOMME. If he conducted
operations in the Middle East, he would do so as CINCNELM.49

CINCLANT’s Assumption of African Tasks
Communist penetration of the chaos-ridden Congo created another set of new command problems. In
November 1960, the Secretary of Defense gave CINCLANT the responsibility for plans and operations
pertaining to sub-Saharan Africa; he also instructed CINCLANT to establish a small Joint Task Force
Headquarters (JTF-4) under an Army lieutenant general. Several months later, in response to a JCS
request, Secretary Robert S. McNamara changed the UCP’s wording so that CINCLANT no longer bore
responsibility for “routine” matters in sub-Saharan Africa but was, instead, responsible for contingency
planning and for commanding any JCS-directed operations.50
A controversy arose over whether CINCLANT was now excluded from “routine” sub-Saharanoperations. The CNO and the CMC recommended that he assume responsibilities similar to those
assigned to all other unified commanders. The CSA and CSAF asked that the matter be deferred toallow further study. In July 1961 Secretary McNamara apportioned sub-Saharan responsibilities asfollows: Military Assistance Program (MAP) to USCINCEUR and the Secretary of the Army, Congo
air evacuation to USCINCEUR, and the Congo sea evacuation to CINCLANT.51

Command Changes for Cuban Operations
The emergence of a communist regime in Cuba added to CINCLANT’s burdens. In April 1961 CINCLANT asked the JCS to activate Army and Air Force components (CINCARLANT and CINCAFLANT)
already authorized under general provisions of the UCP. He cited, as justification, increased planningrequirements for Cuba and the Congo. In July the CNO and the CMC recommended to their colleagues
that CINCARLANT and CINCAFLANT be activated. The CSA and CSAF replied that Tactical Air Command (TAC) and Continental Army Command (CONARC) were already giving CINCLANT sufficientplanning support. Secretary McNamara’s decision was as follows. First, CINCLANT should be provided
with an adequate staff; the JCS Chairman would decide how many Army and Air Force officers should be
so assigned and whether their billets would be permanent. Additionally, COMTAC and CG, CONARC,
were told to designate interim Army and Air Force component commanders, who would assist in Cuban

22

1946–1977

contingency planning. They chose CG, XVIII Airborne Corps, and Commander, 19th Air Force. The
Secretary did not authorize any further steps at that time because CINCLANT possessed no significant
Air Force and Army units and JTF-4 supplied adequate support for sub-Saharan planning.52
The Cuban missile crisis tested CINCLANT’s supporting organization. On 20 October 1962, whenthe quarantine of Cuba was being prepared, CINCLANT designated COMTAC and CG, CONARC,
as interim Air Force and Army component commanders for contingency planning. (In September, on
his own initiative, COMTAC had assumed the duties of CINCAFLANT). Also, CINCLANT changed
the invasion plan by naming CG, CONARC, rather than CG, XVIII Airborne Corps, as Commander,
Joint Task Force—Cuba. CINCLANT intended to exercise “operational command” of Service task
forces through the component commanders. On 21 October, the JCS transferred from CINCSTRIKE
to CINCLANT temporary operational control of all Army and Air Force units involved in Cuban
operations. Next day, CINCLANT promulgated a new command structure. The CG, XVIII Airborne
Corps, was redesignated CJTF-Cuba; he would report directly to CINCLANT. Thus CG, CONARC,
was effectively excluded from the operational chain of command.53
The CNO believed that the Cuban missile crisis clearly demonstrated CINCLANT’s need forfull-time Army and Air Force component commanders, which every other unified commander
possessed. Accordingly, in December 1962, he recommended to the JCS that COMTAC and CG,
CONARC, be so designated. No action was taken at the time, however. It was not until December
1966 that COMTAC and CG, CONARC, were designated component commanders for CINCLANT.54
During the 1965 Dominican intervention, CINCLANT again exercised operational control
over Service task force commanders. A Navy vice admiral supervised evacuation of US citizens
and Marine landings; an Army lieutenant general became US Commander, Dominican Republic.55

Strike Command Established
In 1961 general purpose forces available in CONUS for fast overseas deployment consisted of the Strategic Army Corps (STRAC), containing the combat-ready units in Continental Army Command; thecomposite air strike forces of Tactical Air Command (TAC); and Navy and Marine Corps units not
assigned to unified commands. In March 1961 Secretary of Defense McNamara ordered the JCS todevelop a plan for integrating STRAC and TAC into a unified command.56
The JCS Chairman, the CSA, and the CSAF endorsed this idea, provided that the new command
eventually included Navy and Marine Corps units. But the CNO objected that the inherent flexibility of naval forces would be sacrificed if assigned to a command tailored to STRAC and TAC. He
suggested instead that troop carrier and ground-support aircraft be made organic to the Army orthat a joint task force be organized that would train air-ground teams for augmentation of existingcommands. Similarly, the CMC argued that development of a “doctrine” for joint Army-Air Force
operations would suffice.57
Secretary McNamara ruled in favor of the proposed new command. United States Strike Command(USSTRICOM) was activated on 1 January 1962 under an Army general. USSTRICOM assumed operational control over the combat-ready forces of TAC and CONARC. Its missions were to provide a generalreserve for reinforcement of other unified commands, train assigned forces, develop joint doctrine, andplan for and execute contingency operations if ordered by the JCS. It had no regional responsibilities.58

23

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

In the drafting of an amendment to the UCP incorporating the new command, a further JCS split
occurred. The CNO and the CMC wished to include a statement that USSTRICOM would comprise
only Army and Air Force units. Their colleagues considered such a statement unnecessary and, indeed,
incompatible with the basic considerations appropriately included in the UCP. Secretary McNamara
approved their view, and an amendment formally incorporating USSTRICOM into the UCP, omitting
the restrictive limitation on forces, was promulgated in October 1962.59

Altered Arrangements for the Middle East and Africa
In December 1962 a US military commitment in the Congo seemed possible. Consequently, the Chairman requested a review of planning and operational responsibilities in sub-Saharan Africa. Under
current arrangements, CINCLANT carried the responsibility for planning and conducting operationsin this area. The JTF-4 acted as his executive agent; if necessary, it would also serve as the nucleus of atheater headquarters. Related responsibilities were USCINCEUR, for North Africa and for “cold war”
and MAP matters in the Middle East; CINCNELM, for planning and operations in the Middle East.60
A long inter-Service controversy, which had to be settled by Secretary McNamara, ensued. The Chairman, supported by the CSA and CSAF wanted CINCSTRIKE to be made responsible for planning andforce employment in the Middle East, sub-Sahara Africa, and Southern Asia (MEAFSA). They justified
this solution from the standpoint of speed and flexibility. Currently, they contended, “LANTCOM andNELM are required to execute operations with forces they do not have, using force employment plansdeveloped by other commands, while USSTRICOM, with the organization and resources, is restricted to
non-combatant functions and responsibilities.” But the CMC feared that this extension of CINCSTRIKE’s
responsibilities would lead to creation of a “world-wide General Purpose Forces Command,” which he
opposed. He therefore advocated assigning all Middle East and Sub-Sahara responsibilities to CINCNELM. The CNO saw no need for major changes; CINCNELM was thoroughly familiar with Middle
Eastern problems, and the likelihood of a major military confrontation in Africa struck him as remote.61
Secretary McNamara decided that CINCSTRIKE’s responsibilities should expand to include
MEAFSA. Since the Department of State voiced concern about African reaction to the title “CINCSTRIKE,” he assigned to the commander the concurrent title of “CINCMEAFSA.” On 30 November
1963, CINCSTRIKE became responsible for planning and operations in the Middle East, sub-Sahara
Africa, and Southern Asia. He also would continue coordinated Middle East planning with the British in London. MEAFSA included the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf; CINCLANT’s area encompassed
the western Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal. COMTAC and CG, CONARC,
became CINCMEAFSA’s Air Force and Army component commanders; in 1966, CINCLANT became
his naval component. On 1 December 1963, NELM and JTF-4 were disestablished. USCINCEUR nolonger faced the paradoxical situation of his naval component commander also being a specified commander responsible to the JCS. Further, the shearing of USCINCEUR’s MAP and Cold War duties in
the Middle East reduced USEUCOM to NATO-Europe and North Africa west of Egypt, making it
more accurately a European command.62
The Joint Chiefs of Staff submitted to the Secretary of Defense the necessary changes in the UCP toreflect these decisions. He directed that they be incorporated, along with all other recent changes in thecomplete revision of the Plan. This revision was submitted to the Secretary of Defense on 15 October
1963 and was subsequently approved by the President, with effective date of 1 December 1963.63

24

1946–1977

Nonetheless, implementing these new arrangements was not without practical difficulties. In 1964,
when hostages in the Congo had to be rescued, USCINCEUR, rather than CINCMEAFSA, coordinatedthe operation because USEUCOM provided the transports that carried the Belgian paratroopers. For
the same reason, during the 1967 Middle East war, USEUCOM arranged the evacuation of Americans
from Jordan as well as Libya.64

CARIBCOM becomes USSOUTHCOM
On 17 August 1962, the JCS recommended that the Caribbean Command be redesignated US Southern
Command (USSOUTHCOM), a title that would more nearly reflect the actual geographical responsibilities of the command (Central America, less Mexico, and South America) and thereby facilitate the relations of CINCARIB with Latin American governments. In addition, the new title would emphasize theinterest of the United States in promoting the Alliance for Progress, and in encouraging Latin Americancountries to tighten internal security against communist subversion. The Secretary of Defense, while
not objecting to the change in title, withheld his approval until 1 May 1963 because of Congressional
criticism of the Latin American Military Assistance Program. The change in title was announced on
11 June 1963 and was incorporated in the revised UCP of 1 December 1963.65

CONAD Assigned to Defend against Space Systems
Political developments were not the only causes for changes in command responsibilities in the early
1960s. Rapidly developing technology also contributed. In June 1963 the Secretary of Defense, concernedthat the Soviets might deploy space satellites capable of bombarding the United States, directed theSecretary of the Army to adapt an experimental Nike Zeus unit to attack such space vehicles. This unit
was located on Kwajalein, a UN Trust Territory. On Army recommendation, the Joint Chiefs of Staff
recommended that operational control of this Nike Zeus unit, when employed to shoot down satellites,
be assigned to CINCONAD. They recommended this assignment to CINCONAD rather than CINCNORAD (who, as commander responsible for the air defenses of North America, would seem to be thelogical choice), because of delicate political and security considerations arising from employing nuclear
weapons based on a UN Trust Territory to perform a mission that was, in itself, politically sensitive.66
The Secretary of Defense approved this command arrangement in principle on 29 July; appropriatechanges were made in the UCP revision that went into effect on 1 December 1963.67

Command Relations in the Vietnam War
Command over US forces engaged in the war in Vietnam was exercised by CINCPAC, in whose
command area the scene of operations lay, and by CINCSAC, who retained command of SAC forces
employed in the war. CINCPAC’s command authority was delegated to three subordinates: COMUSMACV; Commander in Chief, Pacific Air Forces (CINCPACAF); and, CINCPACFLT.
COMUSMACV, the first of the PACOM subordinate commanders to assume Vietnam responsibilities, was appointed on 8 February 1962 to take control of an expanding US program of advice
to South Vietnamese military forces and of operations by US military forces (largely air transportor helicopters) being introduced to support South Vietnamese combat operations. When President

25

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

Kennedy directed the establishment of a new US command in Vietnam, the Secretary of Defense
called for the creation of a new unified command reporting to him through the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff and CINCPAC objected to this arrangement on the grounds that communistpressures throughout Southeast Asia dictated a unified military effort for the area as a whole. They
proposed that this could best be accomplished by a subordinate unified command under CINCPAC.
This was the solution adopted.68
As the war intensified and US forces entered combat in increasing numbers, USMACV acquired
air and naval component commands. The Commanding General, 2nd Air Division, became the commander of the air component in 1964 and Deputy COMUSMACV for Air in 1965. In 1966 the 2nd Air
Division became the 7th Air Force. The air component commander controlled the operations within
South Vietnam of all units comprising the 2nd Air Division (or 7th Air Force). At first, the Chief ofNaval Advisory Group served as Naval Component Commander. When Marine units landed in South
Vietnam in 1965, their commander assumed the responsibility of naval component commander for
COMUSMACV, a post he held until 1966. At that time, problems inherent in the formation of Navyunits for inshore patrol the previous year led to the appointment of a Navy flag officer to the post ofCommander, US Naval Forces, Vietnam. He was responsible, under COMUSMACV, for coastal patrols
and operations on South Vietnamese inland waters.69
Introduction of substantial US Army ground forces in Vietnam also required establishment of
arrangements to assure the necessary command and control over them. After lengthy debate amongauthorities in Washington, South Vietnam and Pearl Harbor, the decision was made not to create an
Army component command under COMUSMACV but to continue COMUSMACV in a duel-hatted
role as overall commander and commander of Army forces.70
COMUSMACV thus commanded all US forces and operations within South Vietnam and certain
naval coastal patrol activities in contiguous waters extending out about 30-40 miles. There was one
exception to his command authority, however. Air strikes and naval gunfire support on targets in South
Vietnam were provided by the 7th Fleet, operating under control of CINCPACFLT.71
Decisions to expand the war beyond the boundaries of South Vietnam and adjacent coastal waters
gave rise to new command relationships. In general, command of these operations was exercised by
CINCPAC’s air and naval component commanders. Responsibility for conducting air attacks on
North Vietnam, designated ROLLING THUNDER, was delegated by CINCPAC to CINCPACAF and
CINCPACFLT, who directed operations by the 2nd Air Division (later 7th Air Force) and 7th Fleet
respectively. COMUSMACV participated in ROLLING THUNDER by exercising an informal operational control over the Vietnamese Air Force, thereby avoiding the necessity for creating a combinedcommand structure. The CG, 2nd Air Division (7th Air Force), coordinated the efforts of all forces
engaged in ROLLING THUNDER. Naval surface operations in North Vietnamese waters were theresponsibility of CINCPACFLT.72
The decision, taken in 1965, to employ B-52s against targets in South Vietnam brought SAC units
into the war in a program entitled ARC LIGHT. They remained under the command of CINCSAC,
who, through his subordinate commanders and with assistance of PACOM, prepared the operations
plans and conducted the operations. The targets attacked, however, were first selected by COMUSMACV, refined by CINCPAC, and approved for attack in Washington. In 1966, authority to execute
ARC LIGHT strikes was delegated to CINCSAC and CINCPAC, with the proviso that any strike thatrisked a border violation would require Department of State concurrence.73

26

1946–1977

Developments in the Late 1960s
Only minor changes in the unified command structure took place in the late 1960s. On 17 June 1967,
the JCS granted CINCONAD authority to designate his five regional commands as subordinate unified
commands. The rationale was that these regional commands were command and control levels throughwhich operational control was exercised over multi-service and multipurpose weapon and environmental systems and that air defense required the coordinated contributions of more than a single Service.74
Over two years later, in late 1969, the Joint Chiefs of Staff reviewed the mission, tasks, and organization of USSTRICOM/MEAFSA. They concluded that recent budget restrictions and strategic guidance
had lowered the level of forces available for operations in the MEAFSA area. Accordingly, they directed
USCINCSTRIKE/USCINCMEAFSA on 18 February 1970 to modify his headquarters to provide acapability to undertake only one contingency operation in the MEAFSA area at one time instead oftwo, as had previously been stipulated.75

Blue Ribbon Panel Considers the Unified Command System
In July 1969, the President and the Secretary of Defense appointed a Blue Ribbon Defense Panel, a groupof experts from outside the government, to study the organization and management of the Departmentof Defense. The panel included the “combatant commands” in its study and found the existing structureof eight unified and specified commands cumbersome, imposing “too broad a span of control for a single
decision point in time of peace.” Moreover, the panel judged the organization of the commands “excessively layered, unwieldly and unworkable in crises, and too fragmented to provide the best potential
for coordinated response to a general war situation.” The panel observed that the area commands did
not receive adequate guidance for effective planning and that strategic offensive weapons were divided
among several commands. Every crisis within the last decade, the panel said, had required both ad hocplanning and organizational rearrangements.76
In its report to the President on 1 July 1970, the Blue Ribbon Panel recommended a broad reorganization of the Department of Defense that included provision for a Deputy Secretary of Defense
for Operations who, among other things, would be responsible for the unified commands. The duties
currently delegated to the Joint Chiefs of Staff to serve as the military staff in the operational chain ofcommand for the unified commands would be reassigned to “a senior military officer.” This officer
would supervise a separate staff to support military operations and serve as the channel of communication from the President and the Secretary of Defense to the unified commands. The panel
also proposed the creation of three major functional commands: a strategic command, including
the existing SAC and CONAD; a tactical or general purpose command, incorporating all combatantgeneral purpose forces in the United States assigned to organized combat units; and a logistic command. The panel further proposed to consolidate existing area unified commands into the tacticalcommand by merging LANTCOM and USSTRICOM, and abolishing ALCOM and USSOUTHCOM.
Finally, the panel recommended “unfragmented command authority” for the unified commanders
and designation of the component commanders as deputies to the unified commander to make“unmistakably clear” that the combatant forces were in the chain of command that ran exclusively
through the unified commander.77

27

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

The Unified Command Plan, 1971
The Blue Ribbon Panel recommendations concerning the unified commands resulted in no action. But
in the meantime, an extensive review of the commands had been undertaken within the Departmentof Defense. Deputy Secretary David A. Packard initiated this review in September 1969. He directed astudy of the need for the US Southern Command. As part of a continuing effort to reduce the US presence overseas, the resulting study, dated 1 March 1970, found a unified combatant command in Latin
America incompatible with a policy of low US visibility and with “military requirements.” It therefore
recommended disestablishment of USSOUTHCOM and transfer of essential missions to other unified commands. The JCS, however, did not agree. They favored retention of SOUTHCOM, believingthat the benefits of “an area-oriented senior US military command” in Latin America outweighed theadvantage of the small reduction in US military presence accomplished by the command’s abolition.78
After further review, Deputy Secretary Packard decided to recommend to the President the disestablishment of USSOUTHCOM but, at JCS request, deferred this action, pending an overall review of
the unified command structure. Thereupon, the JCS conducted a review but could not reach agreement
and forwarded divergent views to the Secretary of Defense on 17 November 1970.79
The JCS remained united in opposing the disestablishment of USSOUTHCOM. Such an action,
they believed, would not be in the best interests of the United States in light of the unsettled politicalconditions in Latin America and the continued evidence of Soviet political and military interest in theregion. The JCS also agreed that SAC and CONAD should be retained without change. On other issues,
however, they could not reach a consensus. Major questions were the redistribution of the USSOUTHCOM responsibilities should the President decide to abolish the command and the responsibility for
the MEAFSA area. The CSA and CSAF would reassign the Middle East to USEUCOM, assign Latin
America and the Caribbean Islands to USSTRICOM, and redesignate LANTCOM a specified command. The CNO, however, would abolish USSTRICOM/CINCMEAFSA and USSOUTHCOM as well
as ALCOM. The USCINCMEAFSA area would be divided as follows: southern Asia to PACOM, theMiddle East to USEUCOM, and Africa south of the Sahara to LANTCOM. The USSTRICOM training and augmentation functions as well as the USSOUTHCOM area would go to LANTCOM andthe ALCOM responsibilities would be divided between CONAD and PACOM. The CMC supported
the CNO position except to propose that USSTRICOM be redesignated the US Readiness Command(USREDCOM), with unchanged responsibilities.80
These differences were ultimately resolved between Deputy Secretary Packard and the JCS, and thefollowing changes to the Unified Command Plan recommended to the President on 5 March 1971: (1)extension of USEUCOM to include “the Mediterranean littoral, the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and Iran”; (2)adjustment of the PACOM area to join with USEUCOM east of Iran and with LANTCOM west of SouthAmerica and east of Africa, in such a way that LANTCOM would have responsibility for the waters
surrounding South America and Africa; (3) retention of ALCOM as a unified command, but with area
responsibility altered to assign PACOM the Aleutian Islands; (4) disestablishment of USSOUTHCOM
and USSTRICOM/USCINCMEAFSA, with area responsibility for Africa south of the Sahara and Latin
America unassigned, except for the defense of the Canal Zone, which was assigned to LANTCOM,
and with contingency planning for these areas (primarily evacuation and disaster relief) retained by
the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and (5) establishment of a new unified command, US Readiness Command(USREDCOM), without area responsibility and consisting of CONUS-based forces to reinforce otherunified commands. Both SAC and CONAD would be retained without change. These revisions in28

1946–1977

the command structure, the Deputy Secretary of Defense explained to the President, adjusted area
responsibilities of the major unified commands in a more logical way, improved the responsiveness of
the world-wide command structure, reduced manpower and costs, and were consistent with the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Panel. Mr. Packard indicated, however, that the Army had reservations
over the disestablishment of USSOUTHCOM and the proposed arrangement for the Canal Zone.81
On 21 April 1971 President Nixon approved all the proposed changes to the Unified Command Plan
except for the disestablishment of USSOUTHCOM. That action he deferred, pending “a clarification of
the political and diplomatic implications of such a move.” Thereafter, Deputy Secretary Packard directed
implementation of the President’s decisions, and on 30 June 1971 the Joint Chiefs of Staff issued a new
Unified Command Plan to be effective 1 January 1972, superseding the version of 20 November 1963.82
Accordingly, on 31 December 1971 USSTRICOM was disestablished and replaced the following day
by USREDCOM. CINCSTRIKE became USCINCRED; his headquarters remained at MacDill Air Force
Base, Florida. The new command was tasked with providing a general reserve of combat-ready forces
to reinforce other unified commands, conducting joint training and exercises with assigned forces,and developing recommendations to the Joint Chiefs of Staff regarding doctrine and “techniques forthe joint employment of forces assigned.” In essence, USREDCOM was a redesignated USSTRICOM
divested of its MEAFSA responsibilities.83
On 1 January 1972 the various adjustments in the command areas took place. USCINCEUR became
responsible for the entire Mediterranean littoral, the Middle East, the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, andIran. CINCPAC assumed responsibility for the countries of southern Asia, much of the Indian Ocean,
the Aleutian Islands, and part of the Arctic Ocean. CINCLANT’s area in the Indian Ocean was reduced
appropriately. In the previous Unified Command Plan, CINCLANT and CINCPAC were charged withplanning for submarine, anti-submarine, and mining operations, together with the control and protection of shipping in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Now the new plan assigned this planningmission to CINCLANT, CINCPAC, and USCINCEUR, in coordination with CINCSAC, to cover not
only the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, but the Arctic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea as well.84
The President took no further action to eliminate USSOUTHCOM and it continued to be responsible for normal operations, other than air defense and protection of sea communications, in Central
and South America (less Mexico). The new Unified Command Plan contained only one change for
USSOUTHCOM. Except for the defense of the Panama Canal and the Canal Zone, USCINCSO wasto orient contingency planning primarily to evacuation and disaster relief. ALCOM, now shorn of
responsibility for the Aleutian Islands, also continued without change. Six months previously, however, the Joint Chiefs of Staff had approved the disestablishment of the ALCOM naval component,
the Alaskan Sea Frontier, effective 30 June 1971. Thereafter, responsibility for sea areas contiguous to
ALCOM was given to the Commander, Hawaiian Sea Frontier, and CINCPAC assigned a liaison officer
to CINCAL’s headquarters to provide necessary operational and planning information with regard to
the sea approaches to Alaska.85
No changes were made in the Unified Command Plan between 1 January 1972 and 1 July 1975, but anumber of related developments did occur. With the signature of the Vietnam Agreement in January 1973
and the subsequent withdrawal of US combat forces from South Vietnam, the US Military AssistanceCommand, Vietnam (MACV), the subordinate unified command under CINCPAC responsible for the
conduct of combat operations in Vietnam, was disestablished on 29 March 1973. There now remained in
PACOM four subordinate unified commands: US Forces, Korea; US Forces, Japan; US Taiwan Defense

29

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

Command; and US Military Assistance Command, Thailand; and one multi-Service Headquarters, theUS Support Activities Group (USSAG). The last named organization was activated in Thailand on 11
February 1973 in order to retain a capability for resumption of air and naval support to friendly forcesin South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. The USSAG was subsequently disestablished on 30 June 1975
and the US Military Assistance Command, Thailand, on 1 October 1976. None of these subordinate
organizations, however, were provided for in the Unified Command Plan.86
In the interest of streamlining a major command headquarters as well as saving nearly 900 militaryand civilian personnel spaces, the Joint Chiefs of Staff approved on 24 April 1973 the consolidation of
the Headquarters, CONAD, with the headquarters of its Air Force component, the Aerospace Defense
Command (ADC). Included in this action was provision for the Commander, ADC, to be raised toa four-star position, with CINCONAD now serving concurrently as Commander, ADC. Simultaneously, a new Deputy CINCONAD position was established and filled by the concurrent assignmentof the Commanding General, US Army Air Defense Command (ARADCOM), the Army componentof CONAD. This consolidation did not affect the structure of the US-Canadian North American Air
Defense Command (NORAD); CINCONAD/Commander ADC continued as CINCNORAD. With
Secretary of Defense and presidential sanction, the consolidation entered into effect on 1 July 1973.
Subsequently the Joint Chiefs of Staff studied, but did not act on, the consolidation of the Headquarters,
ARADCOM, with the Headquarters CONAD/ADC.87
On 5 October 1973 the Secretary of Defense directed a review of DOD headquarters with the goalof achieving substantial economies in manpower requirements. He specifically included the unified
commands in the review and asked for the impact of 10, 20, and 30 percent reductions in the overall
strengths of their headquarters. The JCS provided analyses of the impacts as requested but warned thatsuch reductions would result in loss of flexibility and responsiveness. They pointed out that the unified
command system had been restructured on 1 January 1972 and argued that this structure provided
a sound basis of organization and should not be altered. Thereafter, the Secretary of Defense took no
immediate action to reduce the headquarters of the unified commands.88
Responding to the same Secretary of Defense directive, the Army took various actions in 1974
to reduce headquarters, notably by disestablishing the Army component headquarters in PACOM,ALCOM, and USSOUTHCOM. In USSOUTHCOM the Army discontinued US Army Forces, Southern Command (USARSO), on 31 October 1974. The 193rd Infantry Brigade (Canal Zone) assumed
the Army component functions while retaining its mission for the defense of the Canal Zone. The
US Army Pacific (USARPAC) was disestablished on 31 December 1974. It was replaced by the US
Army CINCPAC Support Group, a field operating agency of the Army charged with providing liaison,
advice, and assistance to and coordinating with the CINCPAC Headquarters and the PACOM Service
components on Army matters; assisting CINCPAC Headquarters in preparation of plans; and preparing primary Army supporting plans for all areas of PACOM except Korea and Japan. In ALCOM, the172nd Infantry Brigade (Alaska) replaced the US Army Alaska (USARAL) as the Army component on
1 January 1975 and Headquarters, USARAL, was disestablished.89

1974–1975 Review
The CSA initiated a review of the UCP in 1974. In connection with reductions of Army headquarters,
he also reappraised the structure of the unified and specified commands, in light of current political30

1946–1977

attitudes, manpower and budget realities. He also established strategic concepts for security of USinterests. As a consequence, on 11 January 1974, the CSA recommended a JCS review of the UCP and
the submission of appropriate revisions to the Secretary of Defense and the President.90
The Joint Chiefs of Staff did study the command structure and provided their recommendations to
the Secretary of Defense on 19 March 1974. They favored retention of both USEUCOM and SAC withoutchange and recommended disestablishment of USSOUTHCOM, ALCOM and CONAD. Whereas they
had strenuously opposed abolition of USSOUTHCOM in 1969 to 1970, they had now changed theirminds. In its place they proposed an austere Latin American Mutual Security Assistance Headquarters
for security assistance and representational functions. With respect to planning for defense of the Canal
Zone, emergency evacuation, and disaster relief, they did not agree. The CSA and CSAF wanted themission to go to USREDCOM, while the CNO and CMC, supported by the Chairman, favored LANTCOM. To replace CONAD, the JCS proposed designation of the USAF Aerospace Defense Command(ADCOM) as a specified command to take over all the CONAD responsibilities, exercise operationalcommand of Army air defense elements, and serve as CINCNORAD. The ALCOM air defense responsibilities would be assumed by CINCNORAD/CINCADCOM; other US forces remaining in Alaska
would be administered by their respective Military Departments.
With regard to LANTCOM, PACOM, and USREDCOM, as well as command arrangements for
the Middle East/Indian Ocean area, the Joint Chiefs of Staff could not agree. The CNO, the CMC, andthe Chairman favored retention of LANTCOM as a unified command; the CSA and CSAF proposedthat it be disestablished and the Atlantic Fleet be designated a specified command responsible for thesea areas currently assigned to LANTCOM. There was a similar split over PACOM, with CSA andCSAF proposing that the Pacific Fleet replace it as a specified command, while the other JCS members
supported its retention. In addition, the CSA and CSAF proposed two new mission-oriented unified
commands in the western Pacific and eastern Asia as well as a Northeast Asia Command for Korea,
Japan, and Okinawa and a Southwest Pacific Command. The CSA and CSAF would keep USREDCOM
as currently constituted and assign it responsibility to provide joint task forces for operations in the
Caribbean and defense of the Canal Zone. The CNO, CMC, and Chairman recommended eliminationof USREDCOM and its replacement with a joint training and exercise headquarters, under the Joint
Chiefs of Staff, for planning and scheduling joint training. Deployment planning in support of otherunified commands would be provided for by separate JCS directive.
The 1973 Middle East crisis had caused “increased awareness” of US and Free World interests bothin that area and the Indian Ocean. The JCS Chairman recommended the establishment of a new mobile
Joint Task Force Command for the entire area, responsible to the Secretary of Defense through the Joint
Chiefs of Staff for security assistance, defense of the sea lines of communication (including planning),
emergency evacuation, and disaster relief. The other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, however,wanted no change in the existing arrangements. The CSA, CSAF and CMC did propose a definitionof US military interests and objectives in the area, to be followed by a reconsideration of command
structure. In the meantime, the CNO and CMC wanted an immediate change in the PACOM area toinclude the entire Indian Ocean, but the CSA and CSAF opposed any changes, pending completion of
the study of US military interests and objectives.91
Over five months later, on 3 September 1974, Secretary of Defense James R. Schlesinger announced
his decision on the Unified Command Plan. He intended to recommend to the President retention of
PACOM, USREDCOM, USEUCOM, and LANTCOM as unified commands and SAC as a specified

31

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

command. He wanted both realignment of responsibilities and missions for the unified commands toimprove organizational effectiveness and reductions in headquarters. He did not plan to recommend
any changes in existing arrangements for the Middle East and Indian Ocean at that time, but he did
ask the Joint Chiefs of Staff to study alternative command relations for the area. Finally, he accepted
the JCS recommendations to disestablish CONAD (with ADCOM as a replacement) and to eliminate
ALCOM and USSOUTHCOM. He instructed the JCS to be prepared to disestablish USSOUTHCOM
as early as 30 June 1975, though the actual date would be timed to allow flexibility for the US delegationin the Panama Canal treaty negotiations.
The Secretary provided specific guidance for the realignment of missions and responsibilities forthe unified commands. In PACOM, he wanted substantial reductions in all headquarters by means ofconsolidation or elimination of redundant activities. In the event of war, the Secretary would decide
whether operational control of forces assigned to PACOM would continue under CINCPAC or betransferred for activation of a Northeast Asia Command, a Southwest Pacific Command, and otherregional commands and task forces as necessary. In USEUCOM, US and NATO headquarters were to
be consolidated as far as possible. Secretary Schlesinger also directed a 15 percent reduction in LANTCOM Headquarters. In addition to its existing tasks of reinforcing other commands and conducting
joint training, he made USREDCOM responsible for contingency planning and provision of joint task
force headquarters staff for the conduct of future joint operations. The Secretary did not intend, he
added, to authorize additional assets or to assign any geographical responsibility for USREDCOM.92
To incorporate these decisions, the JCS drafted a revised UCP, which the Secretary submitted
to the President on 17 December 1974. All the changes, he told the President, were in the “interestsof management effectiveness and the efficient use of resources” and were part of the overall effort to
reduce the layering of headquarters and to streamline command relationships. On 24 February 1975
the President approved the changes as submitted by the Secretary of Defense except for the disestablishment of USSOUTHCOM. He held that action in abeyance pending receipt of plans for the allocationof residual functions.93
Later, on 21 April 1975, the Secretary of Defense advised the President that USSOUTHCOM should
not be disestablished, pending the resolution of the Panama Canal negotiations. Once they were concluded, the Secretary intended to “move to a renamed and smaller unified command.” In the interim,
he planned to reduce the size and grade structure of the USSOUTHCOM Headquarters. As a result,the President took no action to eliminate USSOUTHCOM, and on 6 June 1975 the Secretary of Defense
directed that the size and grade structure in the Canal Zone be reduced to the utmost.94
The Joint Chiefs of Staff issued a new Unified Command Plan on 27 June 1975, to enter into force
on 1 July 1975. Changes in the general guidance of the Plan were primarily editorial, but the Joint Chiefsof Staff did add the statement that Service forces assigned to unified and specified commands “will beorganized by the Service to support accomplishment of the unified or specified command mission.”
The new plan deleted ALCOM and CONAD and established the Aerospace Defense Command(ADCOM) as a specified command. CINCAD was responsible for the aerospace defense of CONUS
and Alaska under circumstances requiring unilateral action by the United States. This was essentiallythe same mission previously assigned to CONAD, with the additional responsibility for air defenses of
Alaska. CINCAD also served as CINCNORAD and in this latter capacity had primary responsibility
to defend CONUS, Alaska, and Canada against air attack. As CINCAD, he would exercise operationalcommand for aerospace defense of CONUS and Alaska “only in the event of action by Canada and the321946–1977

United States which makes it impossible for CINCNORAD to exercise this assigned responsibility.” In
addition, CINCAD was charged with defense against “space systems,” air defense of bases in Greenland, and assistance in the air defense of Mexico in accordance with approved plans and agreements.
In accord with the Secretary of Defense’s decision, the new Unified Command Plan assigned
USREDCOM the additional task of conducting planning and providing joint task force headquarters
and forces for contingency operations as well as planning for disaster relief and emergency evacuationin areas not assigned to other unified commands. These areas included Africa south of the Sahara,
the Malagasy Republic, Canada, Greenland, Mexico, Antarctica, Alaska, and CONUS. The new plan
continued LANTCOM, USEUCOM, PACOM, and SAC without change but deleted the responsibilityof CINCLANT, CINCPAC, and USCINCEUR, in coordination with CINCSAC, to plan for submarine,
anti-submarine, and mining operations and for protection of shipping throughout the Atlantic, Pacific,
Indian, and Arctic Oceans and the Mediterranean Sea.95
The new command arrangements became effective on 1 July 1975. CONAD and its regional
headquarters were disestablished on 30 June, with ADCOM activated the following day as a specified
command. (The CONAD Army component, ARADCOM, had already been disestablished effective 4
January 1974.) ALCOM was disestablished on 1 July 1975 as well. USSOUTHCOM continued withoutchange in mission, but, in accordance with the Secretary of Defense’s directive, its size and structure
were reduced (for example, the Commander’s billet was downgraded from four to three stars). In addition, Headquarters, US Naval Forces Southern Command, and Headquarters, US Air Forces Southern
Command, were disestablished on 31 December, the Navy and Air Force components of the Command
becoming the US Naval Station, Panama Canal, and the USAF Southern Air Division. In a later action,
on 8 October 1975, the Joint Chiefs of Staff gave USCINCRED the additional responsibility for joint
contingency planning, other than aerospace defense, for Alaska.96
In the meantime, the Joint Chiefs of Staff had by separate actions directed reduction in the Headquarters, USEUCOM, as well as planning for the activation of regional commands in the PACOM area
in compliance with the Secretary of Defense’s earlier guidance on improved organizational effectiveness of the commands. They had, however, deferred action on reducing LANTCOM Headquarters by
15 percent as requested by Mr. Schlesinger.97 Then, on 22 October 1975, the Secretary asked the Joint
Chiefs of Staff to review further the tasking of the unified commands to eliminate or reduce outdated
tasks. He also directed the following manpower reductions in the headquarters of the commands: 20
percent in PACOM; 8 percent in LANTCOM; and 210 spaces in USEUCOM.98

Adjustment in the PACOM Boundary
The new Unified Command Plan that became effective on 1 July 1975 made no change in the command arrangements for the Middle East and Indian Ocean area. In approving the plan, the Secretaryof Defense had asked the JCS to study alternatives for the area, but they had been unable to agree. All
except the CSA favored retention of the Middle East in the USEUCOM area as currently assigned.
They believed any change unwise at that time in view of the “volatility” of the Middle East situation.
However, they supported the inclusion of the entire Indian Ocean in PACOM to simplify command
arrangements. The CSA wanted the Middle East assigned to USREDCOM, since that command was
unhampered with geographical responsibilities elsewhere; he also recommended realignment of USEUCOM to coincide with the NATO boundaries.99

33

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

The Secretary of Defense had made no decision on command arrangements for the Middle East andIndian Ocean when the new Unified Command Plan was issued in June 1975. But later, on 22 October
1975, he reached a decision, selecting the position of the JCS majority. He directed adjustment in the
LANTCOM/PACOM boundary to give CINCPAC responsibility for the entire Indian Ocean to theeast coast of Africa, including the Gulfs of Aden and Oman and the Indian Ocean Islands (Seychelles,
Mauritius, and Maldives) but excluding the Malagasy Republic. The land areas of the Middle East andNorth Africa remained in the USEUCOM area; Africa south of the Sahara was still unassigned. The
Joint Chiefs of Staff prepared and the President approved in March 1976 an amendment to the Unified
Command Plan (which became effective on 1 May 1976) to implement this area adjustment.100

Designation of MAC as a Specified Command
In a program decision memorandum in July 1974, the Secretary of Defense directed the Air Force toconsolidate all strategic and tactical airlifts under the Commander, Military Airlift Command (MAC),
who became the specified commander for airlift. He took this action as part of a continuing effort
toward greater reliance on Service mutual reinforcement.101
The Air Force, however, could see no advantage in such a move. It would, the Air Force believed,
only introduce excessive headquarters layering in the approval and coordination process and could
reduce the responsiveness of airlift service currently provided. Therefore, the Air Force prepared in
March 1975 a plan to retain MAC as the single manager for airlift service under the Secretary of the
Air Force. All the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff supported this plan except for the Chairman. He
favored the original Secretary of Defense decision, since it would further the principle of unificationand increase the stature of the Commander, MAC, in his relationship with other CINCs.102
The Deputy Secretary of Defense resolved the matter on 9 June 1976, reaffirming the original decision to make MAC a specified command and directing the Joint Chiefs of Staff to prepare the necessarychange to the Unified Command Plan. They did so, and the President approved this change in December
1976. Thereupon, the Joint Chiefs of Staff amended the Unified Command Plan effective 1 February
1977. The Commander in Chief, Military Airlift Command (CINCMAC), was named “the commander
of a specified command comprising all forces assigned for the accomplishment of his military airlift
missions during wartime, periods of crisis, JCS exercises, and as necessary to ensure the operational
support to other unified and specified commands.”10334

Part two
1977–1983

1977–1983
Requirement for a Biennial Review
One of the earliest administrative modifications of the UCP of 1975 involved the requirement for mandatory review and revision. In 1977 President Jimmy Carter directed a sweeping review of the National
Military Command Structure System (NMCSS). Less than a year later, Richard C. Steadman, the study
director for the Defense Department, submitted a report to the Secretary of Defense in which, among
other recommendations, he urged that the CINCs, the Services, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff conduct
a review of the UCP at “intervals not to exceed two years.” Mr. Steadman believed that a mandatory
biennial review would permit the President and the Secretary of Defense to respond more efficiently
and effectively to the increasingly rapid evolution of “political and military realities.”1 The Joint Chiefsof Staff concurred in the recommendation for a biennial review of the UCP and issued Memorandumof Policy (MOP) 181 on 29 January 1979 to implement the new procedures.2

Air Defense of the Panama Canal, 1978
The issue of air defense of the Panama Canal surfaced in 1978. By a treaty ratified in April 1978, theUnited States agreed to relinquish to the Republic of Panama in the year 2000 all control over the canaland the Canal Zone. Meanwhile, USCINCSO was to defend that area with a modest force that included
the 193rd Infantry Brigade, the 450-man US Naval Station, and a handful of A-7 Corsair II close air
support fighters from the USAF Southern Division. While such forces might suffice to protect the canalfrom sabotage or land attack by a neighboring state, USSOUTHCOM forces could not prevent a major
air attack by Cuba.3
In 1978 the Soviet Union provided Cuba with several MiG 23 Floggers, fighter-bombers with aneffective radius of 615 nautical miles. Alarmed, USCINCSO wrote the Joint Chiefs of Staff on 8 September requesting six F-4 Phantoms to provide his command with the capability to shoot down at sea
any Floggers attempting to mount an attack on the canal. Under the UCP, air defense of the Caribbean air approaches to the canal were the responsibility of CINCLANT. In the event of air attack, the
UCP specified that CINCLANT and USCINCSO were to coordinate their air assets in a joint defense:
LANTCOM aircraft intercepting attackers at sea and USSOUTHCOM finishing off any attackers thatmanaged to reach the Canal Zone. Arguing that shared command arrangements led to ambiguity anddelay, USCINCSO requested that he alone be tasked with defending the Canal. In his opinion, augmentation or replacement of A-7 Corsairs with the higher performance F-4 Phantoms would enable
his command to assume such responsibility.4
While the Air Force supported USCINCSO recommendations, the Assistant Secretary of Defense
for International Security Affairs (ASD/ISA) did not. He feared that placement of the Phantoms in
USSOUTHCOM would convey the unintended impression that the United States was trying to intimidate
Panama or other Caribbean states. The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) made a convincing case against
the USCINCSO proposal. When fully armed with 500 kg. bombs and external fuel tanks, the Floggers,

37

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

departing from the Cuban airfield nearest to Panama, Antonio Maceo, could only fly 615 nautical miles.
Yet Antonio Maceo was 676 nautical miles away. Moreover, DIA concluded that neither the Soviet Union
nor Cuba wished a confrontation with the United States in the Caribbean at that time. For the reasonscited by DIA, the Joint Chiefs of Staff decided by 15 December 1978 to reject USCINCSO’s proposal.5
Although USCINCSO lost his bid in late 1978 for full responsibility for air defense of the
Panama Canal, he worked out a satisfactory compromise solution with CINCLANT in August
1979. At a conference the two men agreed that the commander with ground responsibility for thecanal, USCINCSO, should also assume its air defense. Hence they reached an understanding that
USCINCSO should have fulltime responsibility for air defense of the canal within a fifty-mile radius
and temporary responsibility for the area outside the circle until relieved of the latter by a carrier
battle group from LANTCOM.6

Sub-Saharan Africa, 1976–1978
While the Soviets and the Cubans may have wished to avoid military confrontation with the UnitedStates in the Caribbean, both communist powers were already heavily committed in a region where the
US presence was minimal, sub-Saharan Africa. Since World War II the North African states had been
assigned to USCINCEUR for planning and normal operations, but sub-Saharan Africa had remained
unassigned until 1960. At that time the Secretary of Defense had established within LANTCOM a small
joint task force headquarters, under an Army lieutenant general, with the mission of planning for andconducting operations in the sub-Saharan region. A year later the Secretary of Defense reapportioned
responsibility for the sub-Sahara giving security assistance and air evacuation to USCINCEUR but
retaining seaward evacuation with CINCLANT. In 1963 the Joint Chiefs of Staff made USCINCSTRIKE
responsible for planning and operations in the Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa, and Southern Asia
(MEAFSA). At that time USCINCSTRIKE received the additional title of Commander in Chief, Middle
East, Africa south of the Sahara, and South Asia (CINCMEAFSA). Subsequently, in 1971, USSTRICOM
was redesignated the US Readiness Command (USREDCOM) and divested of all responsibility for the
MEAFSA area. Thereafter sub-Saharan Africa was again unassigned.7
By late 1976 the conspicuous growth of Soviet, Cuban, and Chinese influence in Africa south of
the Sahara impelled planners on the Joint Staff to call for a reassessment of the area’s importance to US
strategic interests. Despite the withdrawal after World War II of colonial regimes from sub-SaharanAfrica, the vast region remained important to the economy of Western Europe. At the crossroads of
two oceans and three seas, Africa straddled air- and sea-lanes linking North America and Europe to theMiddle East, Asia, and the Pacific islands. The subcontinent also contained essential minerals. While
US policy had been based on the principle that Africans should resolve African problems, the Joint
Staff believed increasing Soviet, Chinese, and Cuban involvement in sub-Saharan Africa now posed a
serious threat to US interests.8
Since expanding communist influence might jeopardize US access to bases, ports, and raw materials in sub-Saharan Africa, and possibly threaten the lives of some 35,000 Americans living there, theJoint Staff foresaw a possibility of military involvement in that region. In December 1976 the Joint Staff
recommended that the Joint Chiefs of Staff reconsider assigning the sub-Saharan region to one of theunified commands. On 6 December 1976 the Joint Chiefs of Staff approved the Joint Staff’s assessmentof US military interests in the region and, at a conference of unified commanders convened in June38

1977–1983

1977, broached the subject of assigning sub-Saharan Africa to one of them for contingency planning,
if not for normal operations. In November 1977 the Army Operations Deputy proposed assigning theregion to USCINCRED for both contingency planning and normal operations.9
Having heard the Army’s views, the Joint Chiefs of Staff asked on 15 May 1978 for the views of thefour unified commanders with some degree of interest in sub-Saharan Africa: CINCLANT, USCINCEUR, CINCPAC, and USCINCRED. They responded in June 1978. CINCLANT recommended
assigning the land area of sub-Saharan Africa to USEUCOM for planning and normal operations
but pushing the LANTCOM/PACOM boundary eastward to make LANTCOM responsible for theocean area surrounding Africa. USCINCEUR agreed with the assignment of the region to his command as the one with demonstrated ability to conduct planning and limited military operations forthat area. CINCPAC thought that sub-Saharan Africa should be assigned either to USCINCRED or
USCINCEUR for normal operations but not to CINCLANT or CINCPAC. USCINCRED volunteered
to assume immediate responsibility for contingency planning and later on, perhaps, for normal
operations as well.10
In November 1978 the Joint Chiefs of Staff adopted a compromise position. While agreeing withthe commanders and the Joint Staff that sub-Saharan Africa should be assigned to a unified commandfor contingency planning, the Joint Chiefs of Staff saw no pressing need to make a similar assignment
for normal operations. By recommending assignment of the region to a unified command for contingency planning only, the Joint Chiefs of Staff hoped to provide the National Command Authorities(NCA) with a broad range of options covering the deployment and employment of forces on the African
continent. In passing on their conclusions to the Secretary of Defense on 28 November 1978, the Joint
Chiefs of Staff recommended USCINCEUR for the assignment. The Secretary of Defense, however,took no action and sub-Saharan Africa continued to be unassigned.11

Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force, 1977–1979
Beginning in 1977, the JCS again undertook to merge command arrangements for MEAFSA with efforts
to create a rapid deployment force (RDF) for use in the area. After the Arab-Israeli war in October 1973,
oil-producing states in the Persian Gulf region raised oil prices to punish the Western countries and Japanfor Israeli occupation of former Arab lands. Further to the east, political and social unrest in Iran, Pakistan,and Afghanistan threatened to create a power vacuum along the southern border of the Soviet Union.
Concerned that the Arab states might choke off the flow of oil to the West or that the Soviet Union might
invade neighboring Islamic states, President Carter on 24 August 1977 directed that a study be made ofcreating a rapid deployment force of two or more light divisions for use in the Persian Gulf region.12
From 1977 to 1979, the Joint Chiefs of Staff considered creating a multi-division rapid deployment
force. By late 1979 they agreed that the bulk of ground forces for the RDF would have to come from
CONUS-based USREDCOM. Since that command possessed only enough air- and sea-lift capability to
deploy a single battalion to the Middle East, advanced bases for headquarters and logistics would be needed
to field larger forces. Out of sympathy for Israel’s Arab neighbors, the Islamic nations refused to provide
the facilities needed. To circumvent such obstacles, the Secretary of Defense on 22 June 1979 ordered the
Joint Chiefs of Staff to review the entire system of command arrangements for the Middle East and look
into the possibility of obtaining bases in the sub-Saharan region. It was at this juncture that US command
arrangements for MEAFSA emerged as one of the most important UCP issues for the period 1977 to 1983.13

39

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

Following a two-month review, the Joint Chiefs of Staff submitted a split decision to the Secretaryof Defense on 29 August 1979. Made up of the Chairman, the Chief of Staff of the Army, and the Chiefof Staff of the Air Force, the majority favored assignment of the MEAFSA countries to USREDCOM
for most normal operations and to USEUCOM for security assistance and contingency operations. The
Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps preferred to assign responsibility for planning and contingency operations to a Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force headquarters,
administratively within USREDCOM but with operational autonomy to plan, exercise, and deploy
forces to the Persian Gulf region. The JCS majority advanced several reasons for their recommendation.
Under the UCP of 1975, USCINCEUR had satisfactorily demonstrated his capacity to plan security
assistance, noncombatant evacuations, disaster relief, and minor contingency operations for the Middle
East and sub-Saharan Africa. For executing such operations the Sixth Fleet and the Middle East Task
Force appeared quite adequate. Recognizing, however, that USEUCOM could not provide enoughmanpower to protect NATO and handle a major contingency in the Persian Gulf area, the three generals recommended assigning all responsibility for major contingencies in that region to USREDCOM.
That arrangement avoided embarrassing USCINCEUR by requiring him to perform operations in the
Persian Gulf region likely to alienate NATO partners when their foreign policies diverged from theUnited States’ policies in the region.
In opposition, the CNO and the CMC regarded assignment of major contingencies directly to
USREDCOM as unacceptable. Involvement of USREDCOM in a region vitally important to USEUCOM would probably evoke rivalry and problems of coordination that would delay the rapid executionof operations. Instead, they recommended the original presidential concept: a CONUS-based jointtask force headquarters, under operational command of USREDCOM but with full responsibility
for planning and conducting joint exercises and joint operations in the Persian Gulf area. Under the
Navy-Marine Corps concept, once the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force Headquarters had actuallydeployed, operational control over it would pass completely to USCINCEUR.14
The Secretary of Defense agreed with the minority position and on 22 October 1979 ordered the
Joint Chiefs of Staff to organize by 1 March 1980 a CONUS-based joint task force headquarters preparedto plan, train, deploy forces, and to conduct operations anywhere in the world but initially in the Middle
East and Africa.15 On 29 November the Joint Chiefs of Staff directed establishment within USREDCOM
headquarters of the RDJTF headquarters as a separate subordinate element under operational control
of USCINCRED. As an initial task, the RDJTF would be responsible for all aspects of planning for
rapid deployment force operations in the Middle East and Africa. The RDJTF would be responsible forplanning and conducting rapid deployment operations in other regions of the world as directed by the
Joint Chiefs of Staff. Subsequently, in December 1979 the Joint Chiefs of Staff appointed Major General
P. X. Kelley, USMC, as the first Commander of the RDJTF.16

The Middle East and the First Biennial Review, 1980
With a massive airlift of troops and equipment into Afghanistan on Christmas night 1979, the Soviet
Union provided dramatic impetus for development of the RDJTF. In his State of the Union Address on
23 January 1980, President Carter announced what became known as the “Carter Doctrine”:
An attempt by any outside forces to gain control of the Persian Gulf region will be regarded
as an assault on the vital interests of the United States of America, and such an assault will be40

1977–1983

repelled by any means necessary, including military force . . . We are . . . improving our capability to deploy US military forces rapidly to distant areas . . . We’ve increased and strengthened
our naval presence in the Indian Ocean, and we are now making arrangements for key naval
and air facilities to be used by our forces in the region of northeast Africa and the Persian
Gulf . . . All these efforts combined emphasize our dedication to defend and preserve the vitalinterests of the region and of the nation which we represent . . .17
Afterward, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs asked the Secretary of
Defense on 25 January to review the UCP to determine what changes in the existing structures forcommand and control, intelligence collection, and military security assistance would be required toaccommodate establishment of the RDJTF.18
This request coincided with the first UCP biennial review required by the JCS MOP 181 of 29
January 1979. On 9 January 1980 the Joint Chiefs of Staff had directed the CINCs and the Services tosubmit proposed changes to the UCP by mid-February 1980. Their responses focused primarily oncommand arrangements for the Middle East, Africa south of the Sahara, South Asia, and the Indian
Ocean (MEAFSAIO).
There was immediate disagreement. While spokesmen for the Marine Corps, the Army, and
USREDCOM agreed on the necessity for demonstrating US determination to defend its vital interests in
MEAFSAIO, they differed on the best command organization to achieve that goal. The Marine Corps’
Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Policies saw no need to revise UCP command arrangements until the
RDJTF had been given ample opportunity to become fully operational and demonstrate what it could
do. The Army Operations Deputy, however, asserted that deterrence of Soviet aggression in the Middle
East required a unified command with its headquarters located in the region. As for the RDJTF, herecommended keeping it but reemphasizing the worldwide mission given it under the original concept.
USCINCRED welcomed the RDJTF as a “significant step in providing rapid response to non-NATO
contingencies” but doubted that it could handle more than limited operations in the Middle East. In
his view, only a single unified command would “demonstrate US resolve and properly focus on thestrategic importance of the area.”19
Adopting a modified version of the Marine Corps recommendation, the Joint Chiefs of Staff
informed the Secretary of Defense on 1 March 1980 that, given the inherent flexibility of the UCP and
the potential of the RDJTF under existing command arrangements, current area assignments for unified
commanders should be retained. In the event of RDJTF deployment to the Persian Gulf area, however,the Joint Chiefs of Staff recommended that the Commander, RDJTF (COMRDJTF), be designated as acommander of a unified command for that region. Otherwise, problems of coordination between the
RDJTF, USEUCOM, and PACOM would be handled by memorandums of understanding reviewed by
the Joint Chiefs of Staff and approved by the Secretary of Defense.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff also informed the Secretary that, as of 1 March 1980, the RDJTF headquarters had become fully operational. While the RDJTF headquarters would be under the operational command of USCINCRED for planning, training, and deploying, the new headquarters would
be a separate subordinate element of USREDCOM. Once deployed to the Persian Gulf region, theRDJTF headquarters and forces would come under the operational control of either USCINCEUR or
CINCPAC. Whichever unified command was selected, that command would provide the COMRDJTF with logistical bases and personnel for operations, intelligence, civil affairs, communications,and medical care.20
41

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

The debate over command arrangements for the RDJTF, USEUCOM, PACOM, and USREDCOM continued into December. The possibility of sharing responsibility for the Persian Gulf with ajoint task force lacking resources or bases disturbed USCINCEUR and CINCPAC. Having recently
prepositioned ships, secured access to bases in three East African countries, and participated in the
RDJTF-sponsored Command Post Exercise (CPX) in Egypt (BRIGHT STAR), USCINCEUR professed
ability to deploy forces anywhere in the Middle East or Africa. He therefore recommended that the
RDJTF be made into a permanent subordinate unified command of USEUCOM, subject, however, todirect tasking by the NCA. For similar reasons, CINCPAC recommended that the RDJTF be made asubordinate command either of USEUCOM or PACOM. USCINCRED preferred, however, that the
RDJTF should remain under his command but with status as a subordinate unified command forSouthwest Asia. The Army Operations Deputy, repeating his earlier position, maintained that Soviet
actions in Afghanistan must be answered boldly—by creation of a single unified command for all
MEAFSAIO. No agreement was reached and controversy over command arrangements in the Middle
East persisted throughout 1981.21

The Caribbean Basin and the First Biennial Review, 1980–1981
The JCS call on 9 January 1980 for the first biennial review precipitated considerable discussion of
optimum command arrangements for the Caribbean Basin. Neither CINCLANT nor USCINCSO wereentirely satisfied with the division of functions in effect there since 1979. Following the discovery in 1979
of a Soviet combat brigade in Cuba, President Carter on 2 October 1979 had established the Caribbean
Combined Joint Task Force (CCJTF) “to monitor and respond [by deployment of US forces] to any
attempted military encroachment in the region.” With headquarters at Key West, Florida, the CCJTF
was a subordinate unified command of LANTCOM. While the CCJTF concentrated its efforts on
Cuba and the northern Caribbean, LANTCOM’s other subordinate organization, the Antilles Defense
Command (ANTEDEFCOM), performed a similar mission in the southern Caribbean. Meanwhile,
USSOUTHCOM continued to hold responsibility for security assistance activity in the Caribbean andfor normal operations on the mainland of Central and South America, save for Mexico.
On 17 February 1980, CINCLANT recommended that the UCP be modified to give him responsibility vice USCINCSO for the military aspects of security assistance in the Caribbean. He advanced twoarguments for the modification. First, the Caribbean fell within his geographic area of responsibility
at a time when national policy called for increased operational planning to curtail Soviet and Cuban
influence in the region. In CINCLANT’s view, since operational planning and security assistancewere closely linked, he should hold responsibility for both functions. His second argument was thatthe administration of military security assistance to Latin American navies would greatly enhance hisability to enlist their support for planning exercises and operations to protect the South Atlantic sealines of communications (SLOCs).22
Conceding that CINCLANT had made some valid points for transferring security assistance to
LANTCOM, USCINCSO on 16 April 1980 nevertheless concluded that he should retain managementof all security assistance in Latin America, including the Caribbean, because “most of the nations in
the Caribbean Basin are inseparable from Latin America due to historical, cultural, and political ties.”
Moreover, while LANTCOM was “oriented on an easterly axis” toward NATO, USSOUTHCOM
focused entirely on the Western Hemisphere and already had programs and organizations in place42

1977–1983

to assist the Caribbean countries: military schools in the Panama Canal Zone served several of the
Caribbean Basin countries; USSOUTHCOM had repeatedly shown its capacity to render speedy
disaster relief throughout the area; and a directorate within USSOUTHCOM was already “dedicatedexclusively to Latin American military affairs and security assistance matters.” With regard to Mexico,
however, USCINCSO argued that responsibility for security assistance only would no longer suffice.
That country’s newfound oil wealth and potential for joint hemispheric leadership with the UnitedStates made it opportune that Mexico be assigned to USSOUTHCOM for normal operations as well
as for security assistance.23
When no action resulted, USCINCSO restated his case in December 1980. While Cuba posed nopresent danger to Atlantic shipping or other LANTCOM interests, Soviet- and Cuban-sponsored military and political activities in the Caribbean had already overthrown the pro-US government in Nicaragua and threatened to topple another in El Salvador. With communist subversion and revolutionary
activities spreading up the Central American isthmus toward Mexico, USCINCSO concluded that the
USSOUTHCOM area of operations should be expanded to encompass not only Cuba and the Caribbean
basin but Mexico as well. Not only would such assignments recognize the integral nature of Mexico,
other Central American states, and the Caribbean, but the assignments would greatly streamline unityof command in a region where shared command arrangements weakened operational effectiveness.24
The Joint Chiefs of Staff took up the issue of command arrangements for Latin America and the
Caribbean in June 1981. Meeting on 8 June, the Operations Deputies favored assignment of all normal
operations in the Caribbean, including security assistance, to one unified commander. Under that one
commander, they also favored consolidation of CCJTF and ANTEDEFCOM as a single subordinate
unified command. On the assignment of Mexico, the Operations Deputies clearly disagreed with
USCINCSO. Given the growing strategic importance of Mexico, they preferred to keep responsibility
for that country with the Joint Chiefs of Staff.25
In meetings on 19 and 23 June, the Joint Chiefs of Staff accepted the preliminary recommendations of the Operations Deputies and concentrated on the choice of a single unified commander for
the Caribbean basin. In reaching that determination they asked the question: In the event of a general
war between the NATO powers and the Warsaw Pact what strategic US interests in the Caribbean
would take priority? Once that question was answered, the choice of a single unified commander
would be a foregone conclusion. The Joint Chiefs of Staff, less the Chief of Staff of the Army, agreed
on 23 June that, during a general war, protecting sea lines of communication from the United States
to Europe and from the oil fields of Venezuela to the Gulf Coast of the United States represented thenation’s most vital interests. Hence they picked CINCLANT as the commander best equipped withthe air, sea, and ground forces needed to prevent Soviet or Cuban efforts to interdict those sea lines ofcommunication. The Joint Chiefs of Staff decided: (l) to retain assignment of area responsibility for
the Caribbean with CINCLANT and Central and South America (less Mexico) with USCINCSO; (2)to assign responsibility for security assistance for the Caribbean to CINCLANT (vice USCINCSO),
and (3) to consolidate the CCJTF and the Antilles Defense Command into a single subordinate unified command under CINCLANT.26
Dissenting from the majority, the Chief of Staff of the Army restated USCINCSO’s argument that,like the Mediterranean and its littoral states, the Caribbean Basin and Central America formed an
integral strategic whole. USCINCSO’s traditional orientation toward that whole made him intimately
acquainted with its leaders and its unique military requirements. In the event of a general war, while

43

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

CINCLANT would necessarily concentrate on defense of the North Atlantic, USCINCSO would bea better choice to protect the Caribbean sea lines of communications and the Panama Canal. What
USCINCSO required in air and sea assets to conduct that mission could be provided, in part, by assignment to him of the CCJTF and the ANTEDEFCOM—both combined into one subordinate unified
command. The Chief of Staff of the Army also concurred with USCINCSO that while a general war wasa possibility, communist revolutionary designs on Central America posed a clear and present danger
to the security of Mexico and ultimately to the United States. That greater danger fell squarely within
USCINCSO’s area of responsibility, experience, and expertise.27
Before authorizing the Joint Staff to prepare a final report for the Secretary of Defense, the Operations Deputies met on 26 June to discuss various minor modifications and amendments to the recommendations of the JCS majority. They also considered the Army view and rationale for supporting
USCINCSO as the overall commander of the Caribbean Basin. The process of discussion, amendment,
and revision continued until 17 July, when the Joint Chiefs of Staff approved the report containing the
majority recommendations, essentially as stated on 23 June. The Joint Chiefs of Staff annexed the CSA’s
dissent to the report.28
The Joint Chiefs of Staff did not forward their split on Latin American and Caribbean command
arrangements to the Secretary of Defense until 9 September. At that time the Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff submitted a separate opinion. He recommended acceptance of the majority position
as an interim measure to “clean up and consolidate” command arrangements in the Caribbean. He
added, however, that USSOUTHCOM was too deficient in organic forces, command, control andcommunications (C3) capability, and headquarters assets to remain viable as a unified command. He
therefore proposed examination of a course of action whereby USSOUTHCOM eventually would
be made into a second subordinate unified command of LANTCOM, with continued responsibility for political-military affairs, security assistance, and counterinsurgency on the Latin American
mainland. Despite the Chairman’s view, on 2 November 1981 the Secretary of Defense approved the
majority position.29
On 1 December 1981 CINCLANT combined his two subordinate commands into the UnitedStates Forces Caribbean (USFORCARIB), with headquarters at Puerto Rico. At JCS request, President
Ronald Reagan on 12 April 1982 approved the necessary revision of the UCP to accommodate thechanges. His approval carried with it the proviso that CINCLANT’s new responsibility for security
assistance be limited exclusively to the islands of the Caribbean as distinguished from the countries
on the mainland.30

The Transition from RDJTF to USCENTCOM, 1981–1982
The Joint Chiefs of Staff had not agreed in 1979 on the creation of a Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force,and command arrangements for the Middle East remained a controversial issue during 1980. Then, on
24 April 1981, the Secretary of Defense instructed the Joint Chiefs of Staff to submit a plan for transformation of the RDJTF within three to five years or less into a “separate unified command” for thecountries bordering the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, and the western part of the Indian Ocean. He also
directed that the COMRDJTF plan to deploy assigned forces anywhere in the world but, especially, toSouthwest Asia.31 In the event of imminent Soviet invasion of Iran, the COMRDJTF was to employ air,sea, and ground forces to deter the invasion or at least delay its progress.32

44

1977–1983

The Joint Chiefs of Staff submitted an interim response to the Secretary of Defense on 18 May
1981. Assuming that the predominantly Muslim nations of Southwest Asia would oppose the sudden
assignment of their region to a powerful new US military organization, the Joint Chiefs of Staff supported gradual establishment of a unified command over a period of a year and a half. The evolution
from RDJTF to unified command was to take place in three stages. During the first stage, the RDJTF
would remain under USCINCRED in Tampa. Placement of Army, Navy, and Air Force component
headquarters under the operational control of the COMRDJTF would complete Stage I. Stage II would
conclude in the fall of 1981 with designation of the RDJTF as a separate command reporting directly
through the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the NCA. During Stage III the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the direction of
the Secretary of Defense, would assign forces and work out command arrangements with other unified
commanders. For the date marking conclusion of Stage III and the birth of the new unified command,
the Joint Chiefs of Staff chose New Year’s Day 1983.
To facilitate implementation of Stages II and III, the Joint Chiefs of Staff formulated several interim
objectives—transition links—to be accomplished within the next few months. These included a directcommand linkage from the Secretary of Defense through the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the COMRDJTF,
definition of “terms of reference” (the mission, geographic boundaries, components and forces of the
new command), placement of elements of the RDJTF headquarters at a forward base in the region,
enlargement of the headquarters staff of the Service component headquarters at MacDill, and narrowing of RDJTF focus from a worldwide to a Southwest Asia perspective (USREDCOM would continue
to be prepared to activate “a separate JTF headquarters” for contingencies in other areas not assigned
to another unified command).33
Expanding upon the recommendations of 18 May, the Joint Chiefs of Staff proposed to the Secretaryof Defense on 6 July 1981 terms of reference and additional forces for the RDJTF. The terms of reference
enumerated the countries for the RDJTF’s area of operations and the missions and command arrangements for the transition through Stages II and III. The proposed RDJTF area of operations included
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen, Democratic Yemen, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq,
Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, and Kenya, and the Red Sea and the Persian
Gulf. Once the RDJTF developed its capacity to perform all normal operations as a unified command,
the Joint Chiefs of Staff proposed to expand the area of operations to include some or all of the following: Egypt, Israel, Syria, Jordan, India, and the Indian Ocean.
COMRDJTF would be under the operational command of USCINCRED until the conclusion ofStage II, sometime during the fall of 1981. His mission would include planning, joint training, preparation to deploy designated forces, and the management of the RDJTF’s transition to Stage III. According to the same terms of reference, while the COMRDJTF exercised operational control of the RDJTF
components’ headquarters and designated forces, the Military Departments and Services would provide
logistical and administrative support to those same headquarters and forces. Also, during Stage II, theJCS terms of reference called for the COMRDJTF to submit for approval all command arrangements
involving the COMRDJTF and unified commanders through the USCINCRED to the Joint Chiefs ofStaff. Regarding employment of the RDJTF in the name of the National Command Authorities, theJoint Chiefs of Staff, exercised direct command over the COMRDJTF.
Removal of the COMRDJTF from the operational command of USCINCRED would signal the endof Stage II. During Stage III, COMRDJTF would report directly to the NCA through the Joint Chiefsof Staff and carry out the same tasks as during the previous stage. In addition, the COMRDJTF would

45

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

communicate directly with the Military Departments and Services for administrative and logisticalsupport, with the unified and specified commands during joint exercises and operations, and with
the Joint Chiefs of Staff on strategic and logistical planning, the operational direction of forces, andthe conduct of combat operations. Any command arrangements concluded between the COMRDJTF
and the unified or specified commanders would be submitted for review and approval directly to the
Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff also proposed the following additional forces for the RDJTF: eleven tacticalfighter squadrons under the operational control of COMRDJTF; Task Force 70 with one to three carrier
battle groups with necessary logistic forces to support COMRDJTF; and Marine Corps forces consisting of Headquarters, I Marine Amphibious Force (HQ I MAF), with appropriate forces to operate insupport of, or under the operational control of, COMRDJTF, as appropriate. The Secretary of Defense
approved the terms of reference and the additional force assignments on 6 August. Six days later, theJoint Chiefs of Staff ordered USCINCRED to place the additional forces under the COMRDJTF. In
the process of approving the terms of reference, however, the Secretary of Defense had asked the Joint
Chiefs of Staff that the “ultimate” geographic area of the new command be more clearly defined andthat the RDJTF be specifically designated as a separate joint task force on 1 October 1981.34
The Joint Chiefs of Staff complied with both of the Secretary’s requests. In a memorandum on 23
September 1981, they added Egypt and Sudan to the “ultimate” geographic area of RDJTF. The Joint Chiefsof Staff also agreed to designate the RDJTF as a separate joint task force, effective 1 October 1981. Whileat MacDill, it would continue to depend heavily upon USREDCOM for personnel, facilities, and logistical support. After deployment it would likewise depend upon the unified and specified commands, theServices, and the Joint Communications Support Element.35 Despite the JCS reservations about RDJTF
dependence on USREDCOM, the RDJTF did become a separate joint task force on 1 October 1981, withall the privileges of direct communication spelled out for it in Stage III of the JCS terms of reference.
The problem of base facilities and logistical support for the RDJTF preoccupied JCS planners
throughout late 1981 and early 1982. The Joint Chiefs of Staff planned to exercise direct oversight overthe construction until the RDJTF could take over as the new unified command. Meanwhile, after
requesting that the State Department negotiate with other Middle East states for similar base rights, theJoint Chiefs of Staff enhanced the RDJTF logistical base by expanding the Near Term Pre-Positioning
Fleet stationed at Diego Garcia, an island in the Indian Ocean, south of Sri Lanka.36
In response to a JCS call for a biennial review, both CINCLANT and CINCPAC expressed dissatisfaction with the assigned area of the RDJTF. On 14 May CINCLANT recommended broadening the
RDJTF area of Africa to include all the remaining states not already assigned to it or to USEUCOM,
that is, all of Africa south of the Sahara and west of the Sudan and Kenya. Three days later, CINCPAC
asserted that responsibility for naval operations in the Indian Ocean, the Persian Gulf, and the Red Sea
should not be artificially divided between himself and COMRDJTF but should be assigned entirely tohimself as the commander with the experience and naval resources to do the job.37
In May 1982 the Joint Chiefs of Staff reevaluated the RDJTF area of operations in light of apresidential query on 17 May about the desirability of including all Middle Eastern countries. In amemorandum to the Secretary of Defense on 26 May 1982, the Joint Chiefs of Staff firmly advised
against expanding the new unified command’s area to include the so-called “confrontation states ofIsrael, Syria, and Lebanon.” In conclusion, the Secretary recommended that the President approve
activation of the new unified command on 1 January 1983 and that the new command include all46

1977–1983

Middle Eastern nations except the confrontation states. When the President finally approved therecommendation in December, the practical effect was the addition of one more country to the
RDJTF list—Jordan.38
In September and November 1982 the Navy and the Marine Corps both tried to divert the RDJTF
from its transition to a unified command. On 13 September 1982 the Chief of Naval Operations madeclear to his JCS colleagues his belief that the RDJTF should not be encumbered with the routine responsibilities of a unified command—security assistance, noncombatant evacuation operations, etc.—that
had been satisfactorily performed by USEUCOM, nor should the new organization’s mission be confinedto the Middle East and East Africa. He resurrected the 1979 proposal that the rapid deployment force
be prepared on short notice to conduct combat operations anywhere in the world to deter Soviet or
Cuban aggression. On 10 November the Commandant of the Marine Corps recommended renaming
the RDJTF the Rapid Deployment Force, giving it a worldwide mission and placing it directly under
the NCA and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.39
The Joint Chiefs of Staff did not accept the Navy and Marine Corps recommendations, andthe RDJTF transition proceeded. On 12 November 1982 they named the future unified command
the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) and its commander, USCINCCENT. On 19
November a command center for USCINCCENT began operations at MacDill AFB. On 2 December
the President formally approved the establishment of USCENTCOM on 1 January 1983 and requested
that the Joint Chiefs of Staff inform his Assistant for National Security Affairs of proposed changes in
the UCP pertaining to “major force allocation and precise geographic boundaries.”40
To reflect the new command arrangements, the Joint Chiefs of Staff revised the UCP of 1975 forthe sixth and final time on 10 December 1982. Effective 1 January 1983, USCINCCENT would planand conduct all normal operations, with one exception, for the northeast African countries of Egypt,
Sudan, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia; the Arabian peninsular countries of Saudi Arabia,
Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the Yemen Arab Republic, the People’s Democratic
Republic of Yemen, and Bahrain; the Middle East mainland countries of Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Jordan; and the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea. The exception, security assistance for Pakistan
and Afghanistan, would continue as a CINCPAC responsibility until transferral to USCINCCENT on
1 October 1983. Also under the revised UCP, USCINCEUR would remain responsible for the three
confrontation states of Israel, Syria, and Lebanon and for the North African states of Morocco, Algeria,
Tunisia, and Libya. All other African states south of the Sahara and west of Sudan and Kenya would
continue to be unassigned.41
In late December the Secretary of Defense announced intentions to augment USCENTCOM with
the Middle East Force (MIDEASTFOR) then serving in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea areas.42 While
promising the future USCINCCENT full support and cooperation, CINCPAC reiterated on 21 December his request that he retain operational command of the Middle East Force in the Arabian Sea. The
Joint Chiefs of Staff denied that request on 30 December but directed USCINCCENT to coordinate
with CINCPAC for contingency planning for rapid integration of MIDEASTFOR into PACOM’s Indian
Ocean battle force, Task Force 70, whenever called upon to do so by the Joint Chiefs of Staff.43

The 1982 Biennial Review
The Joint Chiefs of Staff launched the second biennial review of the UCP on 15 April 1982. The Joint
Staff advised the CINCs that their responses should anticipate two changes already underway in the47

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

UCP: transfer of security assistance in the Caribbean area to LANTCOM vice USSOUTHCOM andthe establishment of the RDJTF as a new unified command. The CINCs’ replies raised several newissues. On 13 May 1982 CINCLANT recommended that Portugal be assigned to him because of its
maritime orientation and its control over the Azores and the Madeira Islands, two strategically important island groups in the LANTCOM area. He also recommended that another strategically locatedisland, Greenland, which guarded the northern gateway to the North Atlantic, be assigned to his area.
The next day USCINCSO again urged that his command be expanded by inclusion of the Caribbean
Basin and Mexico to reverse the growing Soviet/Cuban intrusion in Central America and to aid him
in the task of building a pro-US Latin American coalition. On 17 May CINCPAC proposed that North
Korea, the People’s Republic of China, and the eastern USSR be assigned to him for normal operations.
He also requested responsibility for the Aleutian Islands.44
No immediate action resulted, and on 20 September the Army Operations Deputy categorized thechanges in the UCP recommended during May as important but “easy to handle” secondary issues. In
his view, they tended to divert consideration from fundamental geographic divisions and functional
responsibilities necessary to “optimal command arrangements” for each unified command. He therefore proposed a “thorough overhaul of the UCP . . . to provide efficient command arrangements andstructure to implement the national military strategy.” He recommended completion of “an extended
review” in time for presentation of alternatives to the CINC’s Conference in March 1983, to be followedby revision of the UCP to incorporate the necessary changes.45
In light of the threats of revolutionary communism and state-sponsored terrorism, USCINCSO
on 5 October 1982 urged revision of the UCP to allow unified commanders greater flexibility of action
outside their traditional areas of responsibility (AORs). For areas immediately contiguous to the AORs,
USCINCSO called for delineation within the UCP of “areas of influence,” where two adjacent commanders, on their own initiative, could coordinate combined exercises or operations on an ad hoc basis.
Beyond such areas of influence, he would have the UCP specify “areas of interest,” where commanders
would be allowed to monitor events that might eventually impact upon their areas of influence andultimately upon their areas of responsibility. For his area of influence, USCINCSO would include all
maritime waters up to twelve miles from the Latin American mainland. His area of interest, for example,
might include sub-Saharan Africa, where several Latin American nations already enjoyed brisk commercial and political contacts.46
On 15 November the Army Operations Deputy submitted to the Joint Staff detailed recommendations for revising the UCP. If adopted, they would alter “the totality of US global command
arrangements, unassigned areas, planning for rapid deployment of forces, and the structure andcontrol of strategic nuclear forces.” The recommendations began with a discussion of command
arrangements for the Pacific and the Latin American-Caribbean areas. He sought to unify command
arrangements in the northeast Pacific by combining US Forces, Korea, and US Forces, Japan, into
one subordinate unified command under CINCPAC. He also recommended enhancing command
arrangements in the Pacific by assigning the Aleutian Islands to CINCPAC and by creating within
PACOM headquarters a joint planning cell for matters pertaining to the southwest Pacific. In thematter of Latin America and the Caribbean, the Army Operations Deputy borrowed the concept
suggested by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on 9 September 1981 of assigning all of the
Caribbean and Latin America to USCINCSO but then making USSOUTHCOM a subordinate
unified command of LANTCOM.47

48

1977–1983

The Army Operations Deputy also addressed command arrangements for Southwest Asia andAfrica south of the Sahara. First he recommended a study of what impact creation of a rapid deployment force under USCINCRED might have on the mission of the new unified command in Southwest
Asia. Next he noted that all African states south of the Sahara and west of Sudan and Kenya remained
unassigned. Because of the area’s strategic mineral wealth and location astride principal sea lines ofcommunication, the Army Operations Deputy urged assigning the area to a unified command.
Command arrangements for strategic nuclear forces, joint special operations, and space also interested the Army Operations Deputy. Uncertain whether the present unified and specified command
system provided the best vehicle for planning and execution of the Single Integrated Operational Plan
(SIOP) by US strategic nuclear forces, he recommended scrutiny of the present system. The growing
worldwide threat of insurgency and instability convinced him that the Joint Chiefs of Staff also needed
to assess the Joint Special Operations Command’s ability to coordinate the conduct of conventional andunconventional warfare and special operations. In light of the new space programs, the USAF SpaceCommand, and the possibility of a new unified command for space, the Army Operations Deputy
proposed discussion of the impact of such developments upon national strategy, global planning, jointcommand arrangements, and global conflict.
In the matter of assigning the three major “adversary states”—the Soviet Union, China, and North
Korea—and reassigning Greenland and Portugal, the Army Operations Deputy argued for no change.
Because of the multi-faceted threat posed by both the Soviet Union and China, he contended thatmilitary relationships between the United States and the communist nations should continue to besupervised by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Deputy also concluded that assignment of North Korea to
PACOM would only complicate the command structure in the Far East. Moreover, since the air threat
to Greenland constituted an integral part of the air threat to all of CONUS, the Deputy opposed reassigning Greenland from ADCOM to LANTCOM, and he thought Portugal represented a vital outpost
on NATO’s southwestern flank that should remain in USEUCOM.48
On 26 November the Joint Staff invited CINCs and Service Chiefs to reevaluate and update theirprevious inputs for the biennial review. They were to consider the following proposals: (l) assignment ofresponsibility for rapid deployment planning and creation of a new joint task force for unassigned areas
now that the RDJTF had become a geographic unified command; (2) revision of command arrangements in the North Pacific with regard to the Republic of Korea, Japan, Alaska, and the Aleutians; (3)determination of optimum command arrangements and structure for control of strategic nuclear forces;and (4) incorporation within the UCP of USCINCSO’s recommendations for “areas of influence” and“areas of interest.”49
The imminent transformation of the RDJTF into a unified command on 1 January 1983 revived theoriginal need to plan for and execute rapid deployment outside the USCENTCOM area. Between 8 and
15 December 1982 USCINCRED, USCINCEUR, and CINCLANT joined in recommending the assignment of planning for worldwide rapid deployment to one or more unified commanders. USCINCRED
concurred with USCINCEUR that such responsibility should be consolidated within USREDCOM andstipulated that a joint task force headquarters be set up within his headquarters solely for that mission.
Upon its deployment, operational control of such a headquarters and its assigned forces would passfrom USCINCRED to the supported unified commander. CINCLANT opposed consolidation of RDF
planning or establishment of a joint task force headquarters under a single commander; he preferredthat rapid deployment become a function of each geographic unified commander.50

49

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

The question of optimum command arrangements and structure for control of strategic nuclear
forces ultimately involved a proposal to centralize handling of all nuclear weapons within a strategic
nuclear forces command. Both CINCLANT and USCINCEUR firmly opposed such centralization.
On 10 December, USCINCEUR opposed establishment of a strategic nuclear command because it
would deprive theater commanders of their “proper” role of controlling and targeting intermediate
range nuclear forces. He added that “some [nuclear] systems currently under development could haveboth strategic and tactical roles” and that the theater commander should always have a voice in the useof the latter. On 15 December CINCLANT declared that change in the existing structure was neither
necessary nor desirable inasmuch as “planning and control . . . within the existing unified and specified
command structure is efficient and responsive to national policy objectives.”51
With regard to USCINCSO’s proposals for areas of influence and interest, both USCINCRED
and USCINCEUR agreed that commanders should be aware “of events and crisis situations relevantto their responsibilities, regardless of boundaries.” However, neither favored enactment within the
UCP of formal “areas of influence” or “areas of interest.” USCINCRED believed that cross boundary
matters should be handled by close coordination and exchange of information between commanders.
USCINCEUR suspected that inclusion of areas of influence and interest in the UCP would only add tothe complexity and ambiguity of the document. CINCLANT seconded the opinions of USCINCRED
and USCINCEUR on the grounds that the UCP already provided for maximum flexibility for adjacentcommanders to coordinate action on matters of mutual interest in its provision that: “In establishingcommands, it is not intended to delineate restrictive geographic areas of responsibility for accomplishment of missions assigned. . . . To provide a basis for coordination by commanders, general geographic
areas are delineated.”52
On 23 December 1982, the Joint Chiefs of Staff asked USCINCSO and CINCLANT to address a
new issue for the biennial review: Should USSOUTHCOM at last be made fully responsible for all of
Latin America and the Caribbean Basin but only as a subordinate unified command of LANTCOM?
In answer on 23 December, USCINCSO explained that at a time when Latin America’s importance tothe United States was increasing, it would be folly to subordinate a command uniquely devoted to Latin
American problems to a command whose interests focused eastward and northward toward NATOand the North Atlantic. Such subordination, he reasoned, would signal to Latin American governments
and their military organizations that the United States did not deem them worthy of full-time concern.
Such a view might demoralize them and encourage increased communist revolutionary activity in thishemisphere.53 Further, USCINCSO noted that placing his command under LANTCOM would impose
a new layer of bureaucracy between his headquarters and the Joint Chiefs of Staff and could hinder
prompt and effective communications during a crisis.54
CINCLANT strongly supported the concept of revising command arrangements to promote
regional integration of Latin America and the Caribbean Basin. He favored incorporating USSOUTHCOM into LANTCOM as a subordinate unified command with full responsibility for all Latin America.
At the same time he wanted to reflect high national interest in the Caribbean by retaining USFORCARIB as a parallel subordinate unified command responsible for that area. But, by placing USSOUTHCOM under his command, CINCLANT recognized that Latin American army commanders mighttake umbrage at having to deal with a maritime-oriented unified command. The obvious way aroundthat obstacle, he believed, consisted of retaining USSOUTHCOM as an Army-oriented subordinate
command to “interface” between LANTCOM and the Latin American military commanders. In any

50

1977–1983

event, he insisted on retaining responsibility for the Caribbean Basin whether it was included under
USFORCARIB or USSOUTHCOM.55

The New Unified Command Plan of 1983
During the early part of 1983, the Joint Staff reviewed the comments and proposals of the CINCs andthe Service Chiefs. On 2 May, rather than submit more revisions of the 1975 UCP, the Joint Chiefs ofStaff sent to the Secretary of Defense the draft of a new unified command plan. It embodied several
important changes affecting USEUCOM, PACOM, USCENTCOM, and USREDCOM. While retaining
responsibility for the Soviet Union, the Joint Chiefs of Staff assigned to USCINCEUR responsibility for
all other countries of Eastern Europe. The Joint Chiefs of Staff hoped to exploit the growing “potential
for improvement in political-military linkage between this region and the West.”
Seeking to use longstanding links between certain NATO nations and their former colonies, theJoint Chiefs of Staff also assigned to USCINCEUR responsibility for all states of Africa above and below
the Sahara except those assigned to USCENTCOM (Egypt, Somalia, Kenya, Djibouti, and Ethiopia).
By adding to the North African states already in USEUCOM those countries from the Sahara to South
Africa, the Joint Chiefs of Staff wanted to signal to allies and adversaries the strategic importance theUnited States attached to this region.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff also expanded the number of countries assigned to CINCPAC. Whilelabeling the Soviet Union a worldwide threat, they categorized China, North Korea, and Mongolia as
strictly Asiatic problem areas and assigned them to PACOM. Moreover the Joint Chiefs of Staff foresaw
increased political-military contacts between China and the United States that could best be handled
at the unified command level. The decision to assign North Korea to PACOM stemmed from the belief
that unifying responsibility for the entire Korean peninsula under CINCPAC would greatly enhance
his ability to make the transition from peace to war.56
The Joint Chiefs of Staff also recommended assignment of Alaska, the Aleutians, and Madagascar to
CINCPAC. Growing Soviet air and naval activity in the north Pacific Ocean made it necessary to assign
Alaska and the Aleutians to the only major command in the area with the ships and planes capable of protecting both places in the event of war. The Joint Chiefs of Staff assigned Madagascar to PACOM becausethat island impinged directly upon CINCPAC’s mission of protecting US sea lines of communication in
the Indian Ocean. In a parallel move the Joint Chiefs of Staff recommended assignment of Greenland to
LANTCOM. Along with Iceland, Greenland formed an important island link in CINCLANT’s wartime
strategy for penning up Soviet missile-launching submarines in the Norwegian Sea. The proposed assignments of Madagascar and Greenland underlined the strategic concept that a large sea or ocean area and all
the islands therein formed a continuous sea line of communication best handled by a single commander.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff could not agree on responsibility for the Indian Ocean. All except the Chiefof Staff of the Army favored continued assignment of the entire Indian Ocean to CINCPAC. The Armymember, however, wanted the northwest portion of the Indian Ocean to go to USCINCCENT. In theevent of a major war on the Horn of Africa or in the Middle East, he argued, USCINCCENT would
require “complete and effective operational control” over all naval and air forces in that portion of the
Indian Ocean north of Madagascar and west of India. Such an assignment would “provide boundaries
in war that circumscribe the likely and more coherent theater of operations and that move militarycommand seams from strategically vital areas to open maritime areas.”51

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

In their memorandum submitting the new UCP to the Secretary, the Joint Chiefs of Staff also recommended that, in addition to being tasked with land defense of CONUS, USCINCRED be charged
with responsibility both for establishing a new joint task force headquarters to plan for contingency
operations worldwide and selecting forces from USREDCOM to make up the joint task force. Uponits deployment, however, operational control of such a joint task force would transfer to the nearest
unified commander or remain with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the National Command Authorities.57
The Secretary of Defense accepted the JCS majority recommendation on retention of the entire
Indian Ocean by CINCPAC and approved all other JCS recommendations for the new UCP, save one.
Rather than reassign Alaska to CINCPAC for normal operations, he retained it under ADCOM for
air defense only. On 28 July the Secretary forwarded the UCP to the President for approval, and thePresident approved the UCP on 3 October 1983.58
Before disseminating the UCP, the Joint Chiefs of Staff made one minor change to accommodate
CINCPAC. He believed that his title, Commander in Chief, Pacific, suggested the inclusion of non-US
forces, and he had asked that his title and command be redesignated USCINCPAC and USPACOM,
respectively. The Joint Chiefs of Staff honored the request on 11 October and, in the interest of uniformity, renamed CINCLANT and LANTCOM respectively USCINCLANT and USLANTCOM.59
On 28 October 1983, the Joint Chiefs of Staff published the new Unified Command Plan as
SM-729-83. It was largely the product of the 1980 and 1982 mandatory biennial reviews. But the Joint
Chiefs of Staff subsequently promulgated a new Memorandum of Policy 181 on 15 February 1984 thatdeclared the biennial review unnecessary and replaced it with a requirement for periodic review attheir discretion. The 1983 plan also greatly enlarged the area of operation for three of the unified commands. It extended USEUCOM to include Eastern Europe and sub-Saharan Africa west of Sudan; it
expanded USPACOM to include China, Mongolia, North Korea, Madagascar, and the Aleutians; and it
enlarged USLANTCOM to include Greenland. These changes were significant, but the most dramatic
alteration of command arrangements for the period 1977 through 1983 remained the establishment of
USCENTCOM—a testimonial to the determination of two Presidents to defend US strategic interestsin that turbulent region.60

52

Part three
1983–1993

1983–1993
Two broad factors precipitated changes to the UCP between 1983 and 1993. First, great fluctuations
occurred on the international scene. The early 1980s witnessed a sizeable US military buildup and aheightening of Soviet-American confrontation; the late 1980s saw a rapid waning of Cold War tensions. Second, the Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986 considerably
expanded the powers of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as those of the commandersof unified and specified commands.
Between 1983 and 1987 new commands were created for Space, Special Operations, and Transportation. But the JCS as a corporate body still reviewed the UCP and showed themselves to be more
comfortable with the status quo than with innovation. Service prerogatives often precluded sweeping
reforms or what might seem efficient solutions.1 Consequently, outside agents were the instruments ofchange. Goldwater-Nichols did not immediately alter that situation. In 1989, General Colin L. Powell,
Chairman of the JCS, became the catalyst for reform. He carried through measures—most notably, theexpansion of Atlantic Command (USACOM)—that were designed to enhance a joint culture.

Setting Up US Space Command
President Ronald Reagan took actions that led to the creation of the US Space Command. On 4 July
1982 he announced a National Space Policy that, among other things, committed the United States todeveloping survivable and enduring space systems, an anti-satellite capability, and means for detecting
and reacting to threats against US space systems. Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger then initiated a study of how DOD space assets could be integrated into the overall space structure. In March
1983 President Reagan unveiled a Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), popularly dubbed “Star Wars,”
which aimed at creating an impenetrable shield against Soviet ballistic missiles. Already, by conducting
exercises that involved operational control of space, the Joint Chiefs of Staff appreciated the need for
improving coordination of space assets. The SDI highlighted space’s potential as a theater of operations.
In April 1983, General James V. Hartinger, who was CINC, Aerospace Defense Command, as well
as Commander, US Air Force Space Command, proposed organizational moves toward a unified spacecommand. These, he told the Joint Chiefs of Staff, would be logical steps to support SDI. On 7 June theChief of Staff, Air Force, urged an immediate JCS recommendation to establish a unified space commandthat would “consolidate the mission areas of space control, space support, force application and force
enhancement, and exercise operational control over all related systems developed for military application.”2
The Operations Deputies responded by commissioning a Service/Joint Staff study group to examine
solutions. The Air Force advocated a single command, which of course it would dominate. The Army,
Navy and Marine Corps reported no major problems with existing organizational mechanisms. On
11 October 1983 the group reported that while command arrangements for space appeared adequate
during the near term, some deficiencies should be corrected. Clearer command and control over space
defense ought to be established; a joint planning staff for space should be created; and the Joint Chiefsof Staff should assess what changes in command arrangements ought to be made by 1985.3

55

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

Meanwhile, the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs, William P. Clark, had asked
for JCS views about the Air Force proposal to establish a unified command and about how to exercise
operational control over space systems. The Joint Chiefs of Staff agreed to recommend establishing aunified space command on 1 November 1985. They also created a Joint Planning Staff for Space that,among other things, would help develop a transition plan for the new command. The JCS recommendation for a space command went forward to Secretary Weinberger on 23 November 1983; Weinberger
endorsed it and so advised the White House three days later. President Reagan, on 20 November 1984,
formally approved establishing the new command.4
In February 1984 the Joint Planning Staff for Space began reviewing the processes for establishing acommand. The JCS, in December, started assigning missions and responsibilities; US Space Command
would integrate tactical warning and space operations, including control of space, direction of space
support activities, and planning for ballistic missile defense.
The JCS also began defining what should be the relationship between USSPACECOM and the
US-Canadian North American Air Defense Command (NORAD). USSPACECOM would replace thesoon-to-be-deactivated Aerospace Defense Command as a supporting command to NORAD, providing it with integrated warning and assessment information. The CINCNORAD, General Robert T.
Herres, USAF, strongly favored having CINCNORAD serve also as USCINCSPACE. The Chairman,
along with the Army and Air Force Chiefs of Staff, agreed that, at least during USSPACECOM’s firstyear, this should be the case. But the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant, Marine Corps,
strongly supported separating the two positions. The duties of USCINCSPACE and CINCNORAD,
they argued, were different and expanding. Also, by standing alone, USCINCSPACE would provide
the proper military focus and singleness of purpose as well as send the political signals consistent withpresidential guidance. Nonetheless, President Reagan decided that—at least for the first year—General
Herres would be both USCINCSPACE and CINCNORAD. The US Space Command was activated atColorado Springs on 23 September 1985. In November 1986 the Joint Chiefs of Staff recommended
continuing General Herres in his dual role; Secretary Weinberger approved.5 After the final transfersof its principal missions to USSPACECOM had taken place, Aerospace Defense Command was inactivated on 19 December 1986.
The Strategic Defense Initiative had been a driving force behind USSPACECOM’s creation. In June
1987, the Joint Chiefs of Staff endorsed the operational requirements proposed for Phase I of a ballistic
missile defense system. With expectations of an operational system, they deemed the time right toplace it within the traditional command framework. Accordingly, on 23 November they recommended
assigning the ballistic missile defense mission to USSPACECOM. A single commander then would
bear responsibility for both operational planning and force execution. Further, USCINCSPACE could
influence the operational integration of systems being developed by the Services and the SDI Organization. USSPACECOM did acquire this mission in February 1988.6 Very soon, however, the ending of
the Cold War made SDI seem outdated.

Readjusting for a Special Operations Command
The impetus to create a US Special Operations Command came largely from Capitol Hill. The staffs
of Senator William Cohen (R, ME) and Representative Dan Daniel (D, VA) included men who had
served with Special Forces. These staffers, as well as some retired officers, convinced Senator Cohen and56

1983–1993

Congressman Daniel that the Services were deliberately and unwisely neglecting special operations,
low-intensity conflict, and non-traditional threats. Early in 1986 Representative Daniel introduced
legislation to create a National Special Operations Agency, headed by an Assistant Secretary of Defense.
Senator Cohen sponsored a bill creating the post of Assistant Secretary for Low Intensity Conflict andSpecial Operations as well as a unified command for special operations.
Two years earlier, on 1 January 1984, the Joint Chiefs of Staff had established a Joint Special Operations Agency (JSOA) under a two-star officer who reported to the Director, Joint Staff. In 1986, theDirector, JSOA, Major General Thomas W. Kelly, USA, frankly described the agency’s coordinating
efforts as a “failure.” Faced with the Cohen and Nichols bills, the Joint Chiefs of Staff on 20 June 1986
decided to advocate establishing a special operations command under a three-star officer, on grounds
that doing so would preserve the normal chain of command and keep the CINCs squarely in charge.
They presented this proposal to President Reagan on 1 August, telling him that they opposed Rep.
Daniel’s bill on grounds that it really would create a fifth Service for Special Operations Forces. Senator
Cohen’s proposal, they argued, also was unacceptable because it confused low intensity warfare withspecial operations. The former encompassed much more and was a mission for all Services.7
If the Joint Chiefs of Staff were trying to forestall anything resembling the Cohen and Daniel bills,
they did not succeed. Public Law 99-661, signed by the President on 14 November 1986, mandated
appointment of an Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict
as well as creation of a unified combatant command for special operations forces.
The main issue now became whether to split special operations completely away from conventional
forces. Early in January 1987 the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral William J. Crowe, Jr.,raised this matter with Senator Cohen, Representative Daniel, Senator Sam Nunn (D, GA; Chairman,
Armed Services Committee), and Secretary Weinberger. Nunn and Weinberger thought that the newcommand should not retain any of USREDCOM’s conventional missions. Weinberger, in fact, concluded that Congress would not accept an amalgamation. The USCINCRED, General James J. Lindsay,
USA, advised Admiral Crowe that he looked upon a divorce of special operations from conventional
forces as the worst possible solution, but Congress already had decided to do just that.
On 9 January General Kelly, the Director for Operations, J-3, briefed the Joint Chiefs of Staff on
two alternatives. The first was to create a US Special Operations Command and disestablish USREDCOM, distributing its residual missions among USLANTCOM, USCENTCOM, and US Army Forces
Command. The Army, Navy and Air Staffs favored this solution. The second was simply to establish
USSOCOM. Only the Marine Corps advocated this alternative.8 The first alternative won out because
adding a new command meant that an existing one had to disappear.
General Lindsay wanted USREDCOM’s major missions transferred to USCENTCOM. But the
USCINCCENT, General George B. Crist, Jr., USMC, argued that the Services should assume responsibility for maintaining strategic reserves. By 21 January USREDCOM’s disestablishment was taken for
granted. That step would free 250 billets, including flag slots, for reallocation. Also, PL 99-661’s requirement to establish a special operations command by 15 April rendered urgent the need for identifying
a suitable headquarters and supporting staff. General Kelly, the Army Staff, and the Marine Corps
had come to favor having the Commander, Army Forces Command, act as the CINC, US Joint Forces
Command (JFCOM). The Navy and Air Staffs advocated creating a new unified command by making
USCINCCENT also serve as US Commander in Chief, Joint Forces Command (USCINCJFCOM),
with responsibility for some of USREDCOM’s missions.

57

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

During a JCS meeting on 23 January, Admiral Crowe defined the crux of the matter as convincing
Secretary Weinberger that USREDCOM’s residual missions should go to USCENTCOM. Evidently the
Secretary could not be convinced; so a different course was chosen. On 20 February the Joint Chiefs ofStaff decided to change US Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) into a specified command that would
take over USREDCOM’s Army-unique missions (land defense of CONUS and Alaska, a general reserveof ground forces to support CINCs) as well as its joint training and exercise missions. Essentially, they
overturned Secretary McNamara’s 1961 decision to have USREDCOM’s predecessor, USSTRICOM,
control most of the strategic reserve. Some Army divisions in CONUS were not assigned to an overseas command but all USAF tactical fighter squadrons (TFS) were. Why, the Air Force argued, assign
squadrons to a CINC who never would employ them? Also, the Air Force worried that making Tactical
Air Command a component of FORSCOM would disrupt its own personnel programs by bringing
field commanders under the criteria for joint duty assignment that had been imposed by Title IV of the
Goldwater-Nichols Act. The JCS characterized the tasks remaining for USREDCOM’s Air Force component as narrow, non-operational, and indistinguishable from Service-only responsibilities. Accordingly,
squadrons now were to be distributed among warfighting CINCs in accordance with “base case” plans.
Thus 32 of 41 were assigned to USEUCOM, even though some of them were based in the United States.
Subsequently, Secretary Weinberger voiced concern that CINCs might be able to direct deployments
to their theaters without his approval. Therefore, he asked, why not either turn Tactical Air Command
into a specified command or establish a unified US Forces Command? The Chairman replied that
the Joint Operational Planning System prevented CINCs from acting on their own and that making
FORSCOM a specified command represented the best and most economical way of complying with
the Goldwater-Nichols Act.9
The formal JCS recommendation to create USSOCOM, disestablish USREDCOM, and turn Forces
Command into a specified command was submitted on 18 March. Secretary Weinberger concurred, andon 13 April President Reagan approved it. Three days later, General Lindsay became USCINCSOC; thedisestablishment of USREDCOM occurred on 30 September 1987. General Joseph T. Palastra, Jr., USA,
took up the post of CINCFOR on 1 July. USCENTCOM assumed responsibilities for Southwest Asia;
responsibilities for strategic mobility planning went to the new USTRANSCOM. FORSCOM would
provide a general reserve of combat-ready Army forces, carry out readiness and related deployment
planning as well as joint training of assigned forces, and be responsible for the land defense of CONUS.
USCINCSOC controlled all active and reserve special operations forces, except for two Naval
Special Warfare Groups that stayed under USPACOM and USLANTCOM. General Lindsay wanted
these Groups, and in October, despite Navy protests, Secretary Weinberger ordered them transferred.
USCINCSOC’s responsibilities included providing a general reserve of combat-ready special operations
forces, ensuring proper training, readiness exercises and deployment planning, validating requirements
and establishing priorities for special operations forces, and commanding selected missions.10
USCINCSOC possessed unique authority to oversee promotion, assignment, retention, and professional development of Special Forces personnel. He bore responsibility not only for developing and acquiring materiel, supplies, and services peculiar to special operations but also for submitting program andbudget proposals under Major Force Program (MFP) 11. Nevertheless, influential members of Congress
remained frustrated by what they termed “malicious implementation” of the legislation by OSD. To reinforce congressional intent, PL 100-80, which became law on 4 December 1987, gave USCINCSOC headof agency authority that would enable him to facilitate the development and procurement of hardware.

58

1983–1993

In 1988 Congress reiterated USCINCSOC’s programming (MFP 11), budgeting, and execution authority
and gave him acquisition authority as well. Thus, in these areas, USCINCSOC wields unique authority
among the CINCs.

The Evolution of USTRANSCOM
Efforts at unifying transportation assets date back to World War II, and progress proved to be very slow.
A JCS mobilization exercise in 1978, NIFTY NUGGET, revealed major shortcomings in transportation planning. In one case, airlift planners received 27 requests to move the same unit to 27 different
locations. Consequently, the Joint Chiefs of Staff made USCINCRED responsible for mobilization
deployment planning. The Joint Deployment Agency (JDA), a distinct organization collocated with
USREDCOM, was established on 1 May 1979 to coordinate and monitor intra-CONUS and inter-theater
movements involving common user lift. USCINCRED took the added responsibility of Director, JDA.
In 1981 Congress required the Defense Department to submit a plan for improving transportationand traffic management. The Joint Chiefs of Staff, on 24 July, recommended integrating the Army’s
Military Traffic Management Command (MTMC) and the Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC)
into a unified transportation command, reporting through the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Secretary of
Defense. But the Army and Navy lobbied against this solution on Capitol Hill so effectively that the FY
1982 DOD Authorization Act (PL 97-252) prohibited using any funds for such a purpose.11
Secretary Weinberger rated a unified transportation command as the most needed improvement inreadiness management. Accordingly, he sought remedial legislation. The chance came in February 1986,
when a Blue Ribbon Commission on Defense Management (the Packard Commission) recommended
setting up a single unified command to integrate global air, land, and sea transportation and repealing the legislation that prohibited such a command. President Reagan, on 1 April, directed Secretary
Weinberger to take appropriate action.12
An interservice working group chaired by the Vice Director for Logistics, J-4, began deliberations
on 7 April. Representatives from the Army Staff, the Air Staff and JDA favored a unified command.
The Navy, backed by the Marine Corps, argued that consolidation would erode a Service’s authority
over its own operations. The group presented eleven proposals to a general officer steering committee
headed by the Director, J-4, Lieutenant General Alfred G. Hansen, USAF. The committee worked out
two alternatives. It proposed either a unified headquarters functioning only as an integrating and coordinating entity, with the Services retaining command of their transportation operations and functions
in peace and war or a typical unified command organization with Service components (MTMC, MSC,
and Military Airlift Command (MAC)) under the CINC’s operational control. On 16 May the second
alternative won the committee’s endorsement.13
General Duane H. Cassidy, USAF, who was CINCMAC, briefed members of the Packard Commission on 18 June. Members reacted by stressing that a coordinating agency would not be enough.
The CINC must have directive authority although in peacetime forces might be assigned for planningpurposes only. On 7 October, after more study by the committee and the working group, General
Hansen presented the Joint Chiefs of Staff with a three-tiered sequential approach:
1. Make a unified transportation command the peacetime focal point for planning and deployment
exercises. In wartime, it would assess movement requirements, task Service components, and adjust
plans and modes of transport.
59

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

2. In addition to 1, the unified command would develop and evaluate procedures for facilitating theflow of forces and re-supply.
3. In addition to 1 and 2, give the CINC operational command of forces but decentralize execution.
The Army and Air Force Chiefs of Staff favored moving directly to 3, bypassing 1 and 2. But theChief of Naval Operations and the Commandant, Marine Corps, argued adamantly for starting with
1. They wanted the Service Secretaries to remain single managers of their respective components.
At a JCS meeting on 28 October, Admiral Crowe decided to recommend moving immediately to 3,
with General Cassidy becoming USCINCTRANS as well as CINCMAC.14 The Goldwater-Nichols
DOD Reorganization Act, meantime, had lifted the legislative prohibition against a unified transportation command.
On 1 December the Chairman, supported by the Army and Air Force Chiefs of Staff, formally proposed phasing in USTRANSCOM over the next 12 months, having CINCMAC also serve as USCINCTRANS for the time being, and disestablishing the JDA. The Chief of Naval Operations dissented,
arguing for the “evolutionary” approach on grounds that mechanisms that only recently had been put
in place to correct problems should not be disrupted. He also voiced concern that USCINCTRANS’s
functions would infringe upon single manager responsibilities that flowed from Congress to the Service
Secretaries and then to the Service Chiefs. The Commandant, Marine Corps, recommended simply
appointing a USCINCTRANS; separating him totally from MTMC, MSC and MAC; and ordering him
to conduct a comprehensive management analysis before proceeding any further.15
Secretary Weinberger accepted the Chairman’s proposal.16 USTRANSCOM under General Cassidy was activated on 1 July 1987. Military Airlift Command lost its status as a specified command on
30 September 1988 and became a component of USTRANSCOM. But while the organizational charts
now showed a superior-to-subordinate relationship, the reality was quite different. Service components
retained operational command over their forces, control of industrial funds, and responsibility for
performing Service-unique missions as well as procurement. Thus nearly all-essential headquartersfunctions associated with transportation management and control of transportation functions remainedwith the components. Headquarters, USTRANSCOM, was still so new that it played only a small rolein Operation JUST CAUSE, the invasion of Panama. During Operation DESERT SHIELD, the deployment to Saudi Arabia in 1990, the vague nature of USTRANSCOM’s responsibilities during situations
short of war created confusion. The MTMC received taskings directly from FORSCOM, not through
USCINCTRANS, who had to spend two weeks establishing his full authority over components. Even
during Operation DESERT STORM, the operation to liberate Kuwait during January to March 1991, the
DOD Inspector General claimed later, USTRANSCOM primarily reiterated directions and information
produced by higher levels as well as by the components. That may well have been an exaggeration, but
it helped shape a perception that more centralized control was needed.
Before DESERT STORM began, General Powell (who became Chairman in October 1989) had
started enhancing USCINCTRANS’s authority. On 30 November 1990, with the Service Chiefs’ concurrence, General Powell approved proceeding with a reorganization that would give USCINCTRANSa peacetime mission, assign all Service components to him, develop a charter establishing his responsibilities for common-user lift, and create a financial management office for the command. General
Powell sent a draft charter to Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney in January. But Mr. David Addington,
the Secretary’s Special Assistant, then wrote a very different charter that would keep the Services assingle managers of their specialties, restrict USCINCTRANS’s mission to “crises and war,” and deny60

1983–1993

authority to analyze industrial funds. General Powell met with Mr. Addington on 21 October 1991 andconvinced him that major revisions were necessary.
Late in December Mr. Addington circulated a proposal that the transportation mission, authority,
and resources be transferred from the Service Secretaries to USCINCTRANS. The Marine Corps voiced
strong objections against such “fundamental changes to established DOD authorities and responsibilities.” The Navy also argued against parts of the proposal. But General Powell recommended giving
USCINCTRANS even more authority. Mr. Addington’s draft still allowed the Services to withhold“service-unique” transportation assets, defined in part as “organic parts of Army, Navy, Air Force, orMarine Corps units assigned to the commander of a unified or specified combatant command otherthan CINCTRANS.” General Powell wanted to delete that part of the definition. Assigning assets toanother CINC, he maintained, did not necessarily remove them from common-user roles. The Addington draft also described afloat pre-positioning ships as being under Service control and assigned toa particular theater. General Powell claimed that these ships also served the Army and Air Force on a
global strategic basis and therefore should be under combatant command of some CINC. Lastly, thedraft did give USCINCTRANS control over the transportation accounts of the Defense Business Operations Fund (DBOF). But a proposed National Defense Sealift Fund would not be part of the DBOF, so
the draft would grant USCINCTRANS wartime authority only. General Powell sought more latitude,
so that USCINCTRANS could deal directly with the civilian transportation industry.
On 14 February 1992 Secretary Cheney issued a directive making USCINCTRANS the single
manager for transportation in place of the Service Secretaries. During peace and war, the MTMC,
MSC, and the new Air Mobility Command would come under his combatant command, except that
the Services could withhold Service-unique or theater-assigned assets. Cheney dropped the portion of
the “service-unique” definition that General Powell had found objectionable. Cheney also decided that
afloat pre-positioning ships would be theater-assigned only prior to the initial discharge of cargo. He
did not, however, extend USCINCTRANS’s control beyond the DBOF.17 Although USCINCTRANS
had hoped for a detailed charter granting broader authority, he still believed that this directive brought
about a great increase in his powers.

Debating Smaller Adjustments, 1983–1990
In 1982 the Joint Chiefs of Staff had inclined toward turning USSOUTHCOM into a sub-unified command under USLANTCOM when the time appeared right. But USSOUTHCOM’s strong objections
led them to endorse the status quo. Just a year later, however, the Chairman reopened the issue. General
John W. Vessey, Jr., USA, informed both CINCs early in 1983 that he believed the time for this change
had come, and that USFORCARIB in Key West should be put under USSOUTHCOM as its naval
component. Then USSOUTHCOM, as a sub-unified command, would have a pool of forces and a naval
headquarters to carry out a wide variety of missions as well as a command dedicated to controlling
the Caribbean and South Atlantic sea-lanes in the event of war with the USSR. Both CINCs balked,
however, and the Chairman took no further action. In September 1987 the Joint Chiefs of Staff went
on record as opposing USFORCARIB’s dissolution as long as Cuba threatened regional stability. Fivemonths later, though, the DOD Inspector General concluded that the USFORCARIB headquarters was“nice to have, but clearly not essential” because it would play no part in any contingency except a minor
noncombatant evacuation during peacetime. He recommended abolishing it as part of a worldwide

61

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

trimming of headquarters. The Joint Chiefs of Staff concurred, and USFORCARIB was disestablishedon 30 June 1989.18
Another piece of unfinished business flowed from the fact that Alaska remained unassigned, except
for air defense. In 1983 the Joint Chiefs of Staff recommended creating a sub-unified Alaskan Command
under USCINCPAC. That would have transformed the Alaskan Air Command into a numbered airforce, subordinate to PACAF. Senator Ted Stevens (R, AK) pressed Secretary Weinberger into disapproving the change and later secured a series of legislative prohibitions against it. Lobbying by the Air
Force finally ended his opposition. In February 1989, after getting assurances that Congress would
remove legislative barriers at the first opportunity, the Joint Chiefs of Staff recommended assigning
Alaska to USCINCPAC. Changes were made, and on 7 July 1989, the sub-unified Alaskan Command
started functioning.19
Early in 1983 the Joint Chiefs of Staff agreed to move in the direction of a sub-unified commandfor Northeast Asia when it appeared politically feasible. In 1974 the Secretary of Defense had directed
USCINCPAC to prepare contingency plans for activating Northeast Asia and Southwest Pacific commands. Such plans were incorporated into the Joint Operations Planning System edition for 1975 but
not into the one for 1984. The Army Staff revived its argument that, without them, USCINCPAC would
be overwhelmed by the distances involved as well as the diversity of nations and missions. Nonetheless,as part of a review required by the Goldwater-Nichols Act, the Joint Chiefs of Staff in September 1987
stated their opposition to a Northeast Asia command. As in the past, they worried that long-standing
animosity between Japan and Korea would keep the CINC of such a command constantly walking atightrope. By early 1990 the ending of the Cold War, plus USCINCPAC’s continuing opposition, forthe time being ended consideration of a new command.20
The Goldwater-Nichols Act also required an appraisal of whether USCENTCOM should become
responsible for the ocean areas adjacent to Southwest Asia and for the “confrontation states” of Israel,
Lebanon, and Syria. The Chief of Staff, Air Force, favored giving USCINCCENT the North ArabianSea, the Gulf of Aden and the Gulf of Oman. Conversely, the Chief of Naval Operations proposed reassigning the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf from USCINCCENT to USCINCPAC. His rationale was that
USCINCCENT could not carry out his mission without command of the seas stretching all the way
back to the California coast, which was USCINCPAC’s responsibility. Treating the Pacific and Indian
Oceans as a single strategic entity would enhance efficiency and flexibility. Ultimately, in September
1987 the Joint Chiefs of Staff opted for the status quo. They concluded that current arrangements should
remain intact and that keeping USCINCCENT separate from the “confrontation states” would makehim more effective and credible in dealing with other Arab and Muslim states.21
In October 1988 the inactivation of MAC as a specified command, coupled with the start ofa biennial UCP review mandated by the Goldwater-Nichols Act, created what the Director, Joint
Staff, called a “window of opportunity” to reexamine several issues. He suggested expanding
USCENTCOM’s ocean area; giving the Caribbean, Mexico and the water around South America
to USSOUTHCOM; and assigning CONUS to FORSCOM as its geographic area of responsibility.
But these proposals raised some old and emotional issues. The Navy never had wanted land CINCs
to control significant ocean areas; Mexico always had remained unassigned because of its “special
relationship” with the United States; and a specified command never had been given a geographic areaof responsibility. As in the past, Army and Air Force planners favored expanding USCINCCENT’s
ocean area and giving ocean area to USSOUTHCOM; Navy and Marine Corps planners opposed not

62

1983–1993

only those steps but also assigning Mexico. The Joint Staff broached the possibility of establishing a
CINC North America. Ultimately, on 9 February 1989 the Joint Chiefs of Staff recommended only
one significant change: adding the Gulfs of Aden and Oman to USCINCCENT’s area of responsibility. This modest shift meant that the new boundaries between PACOM and CENTCOM no longer
would cut through the Bab el Mandeb/Strait of Hormuz and their approaches. The sensitive issueof USCINCCENT commanding fleets or controlling broad ocean areas was finessed. On 26 June
Secretary Weinberger endorsed this change.22

Adapting to a New World Order
The opening of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe during late1989 created a far wider “window of opportunity.” The Cold War was over. In March 1990 an ad hocworking group started a UCP review based on the assumptions that there would be force reductions in
PACOM and, especially, EUCOM and that Congress would mandate cutbacks in overseas headquarters.
The group believed that options submitted to the Chairman should be as bold and as free of organizational bias as possible. They decided that several possibilities deserved consideration: disestablishing USCENTCOM and USSOUTHCOM, creating a North America command, and retaining thosecommands that served the most clearly identifiable US strategic interests (PACOM, LANTCOM, andEUCOM), letting joint task forces handle crises elsewhere.23
The Director for Strategic Plans and Policy, J-5, believed that a radical approach should at least bepresented to the JCS. The Director of J-5, Lieutenant General George Lee Butler, USAF, presided over anumber of free-ranging sessions and kept General Powell informed. The outcome was a proposal, given
to the Joint Chiefs of Staff on 21 November 1990, for reducing the ten commands to six:
1. Strategic Command, absorbing SAC, giving strategic direction to the Trident fleet, and taking responsibility for ballistic missile defense and the anti-satellite mission.
2. Contingency Command, in which USSOCOM would be a sub-unified command; FORSCOM would
be disestablished.
3. Transportation Command.
4. Americas Command.
5. Atlantic Command, containing USEUCOM and USCENTCOM as sub-unified commands.
6. Pacific Command, with Northeast Asia as a new sub-unified command.
The Service Chiefs identified two problems with this proposal. The first was how to organize CONUSbased forces. The Army and Air Force favored placing all such forces under Americas Commandand creating a National Contingency Force. The second problem was how to organize STRATCOM,SPACECOM and NORAD forces.24
The six-command proposal was intended to serve as a starting point and nothing more; J-5 believed
from the outset that it would not be adopted. They felt certain, for instance, that General Powell would
neither try to win JCS approval of an Americas Command nor, for political and diplomatic reasons,seek to abolish USSOUTHCOM. But the Chairman did worry that Congress might take the lead on
UCP changes if the JCS failed to do so. The end of the Cold War meant shrinking budgets and switchingfrom a global to a regionally based strategy, a smaller conventional capability, and a rationalization ofstrategic nuclear forces. The next UCP briefing, given by J-5 to the Chiefs on 22 May 1991, envisioned

63

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

nine CINCs: STRATCOM would supersede SAC; Americas Command would replace SOUTHCOM
and FORSCOM; all other commands would remain.25

Strategic Command: An Easy Change
The 1960 compromise that created a specified SAC, a Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff (JSTPS),
and a CINCSAC who was also Director, JSTPS, had weathered the Cold War unchanged. During the
UCP review of 1982-1983, the Joint Chiefs of Staff considered and rejected a unified strategic commandon grounds that “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” In September 1987, when the Goldwater-Nichols Act
required reconsideration of the UCP, the JCS repeated that position. No Service or combatant command,
they advised Secretary Weinberger, advocated changing the current system. Diffusing responsibility forstrategic nuclear forces among four CINCs (SAC, LANTCOM, PACOM, and EUCOM) enhanced force
survivability by enforcing redundancy. Target planning was what required coordination, and that the
JSTPS accomplished. Poseidon and Trident missile submarine patrols had to be coordinated with the
movements of friendly and hostile forces, a task best handled by the associated maritime commander.26
When the Soviet Union ceased to be an adversary, the importance of the SIOP and the strategic
nuclear arsenal declined. As the defense budget shrank, the institutional and inter-Service barriers thatlong had prevented a specified SAC from becoming a unified strategic command began to fall away. The
J-5 began considering a possible structure of a new command. The CINCSAC, who was General John T.
Chain, made a short presentation called “If I Were King” during the CINCs’ Conference in August 1990:
A Strategic Command would include ICBMs, SLBMs, heavy bombers, SDI, and elements of USSPACECOM. Strategic warning, however, should become part of a command that also contained FORSCOM,
TAC, and North American Air Defense. Two months later, drawing upon proposals passed from J-5
to SAC, General Chain recommended to General Powell that STRATCOM combine responsibilities
assigned to CINCSAC, the Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff, and USCINCSPACE. But the attack
warning and assessment mission, together with TAC and FORSCOM, should form part of another new
unified command. General Chain suggested that STRATCOM’s responsibilities include preparing andmaintaining a national strategic target list and a SIOP; long-range nuclear and non-nuclear air strikes;
ballistic missile combat and defense; strategic reconnaissance; management of USAF aerial refuelingassets; and, finally, space surveillance, control, and support. The post of CINCSTRAT would rotate
between the Navy and the Air Force. SAC would become the Air Force component of STRATCOM;USSPACECOM would be redesignated a sub-unified command under STRATCOM.27
Early in January 1991 General Powell broached the possibility of a smaller STRATCOM thatincorporated strategic nuclear offensive forces, the JSTPS, anti-satellite and ballistic missile defense,and USCINCSPACE’s defensive planning element. As an alternative, the Navy Staff proposed creating
a STRATCOM headquarters with SAC, LANTFLT, and PACFLT as its Service components.28
One question raised by creating STRATCOM was whether to subordinate or fragment USSPACECOM. The USCINCSPACE, who was General Donald J. Kutyna, USAF, strongly opposed doing either.
On 8 March 1991, at the end of DESERT STORM, he reminded General Powell that USSPACECOM’s
activities and emphases were changing. No longer was it merely a provider of strategic nuclear intelligence. DESERT STORM illustrated how USSPACECOM had become a major supplier of operational
and tactical intelligence for the Army and Navy. Space, he said, had spent 30 years emerging from theumbrella of the intelligence community, then of research and development experimenters, and finally641983–1993

of an offensive-minded SAC headquarters. Today, Kutyna continued, an Army cook used a pocket-sizedglobal positioning system to deliver meals to soldiers scattered across the sands of Saudi Arabia. Within
two minutes of an Iraqi SCUD missile launch, PATRIOT missiles were alerted and primed while troops
had time to don their protective gear and F-15s flew toward mobile SCUD launchers—all using target
coordinates provided from space.29 His arguments were extremely effective.
In January 1991 General Butler succeeded General Chain as CINCSAC. By July Butler had becomeconvinced that SAC suffered from an outdated mission focus that translated “strategic” as “nuclear,”which meant execution of the SIOP. He recommended not only merging SAC’s and TAC’s reconnaissance assets into a numbered air force but also integrating SAC’s bomber, tanker, and reconnaissanceassets with TAC forces into a single operational command. Butler particularly wanted to make the B-1
bomber usable in conventional conflicts. The Chief of Staff, Air Force, endorsed creating new air combat
and air mobility commands, which would replace SAC, MAC, and TAC.
During a JCS meeting in July 1991, General Powell promised that he would take no steps toward
reorganization without first securing the Service Chiefs’ and the CINCs’ approval. The Army and Air
Force Chiefs of Staff as well as the Commandant, Marine Corps, all said that they supported a unified
STRATCOM. The Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Frank B. Kelso II, worried about finding thepersonnel to staff a new unified command. He told J-5 officers that STRATCOM was “a good concept
but the devil’s in the details.”30
Two more JCS meetings, followed by the CINCs’ Conference of August 1991, produced an agreement
to establish USSTRATCOM. Admiral Kelso won consent that the Navy’s staff representation should
increase to 35 percent and that USCINCSTRAT would become a rotational billet and not also be a Service
component commander. On 27 September 1991 President George H. W. Bush publicly announced that hehad approved dramatic cutbacks in nuclear weapons as well as creation of a unified strategic command.31
It was agreed at the 1991 CINCs’ Conference that General Butler, in his capacity as Director, Strategic Target Planning, would take the lead in developing an implementation plan to have USSTRATCOM
start functioning by June 1992 and complete the transition six months later. On 27 September 1991 General Butler sent the Joint Staff a proposal that USCINCSTRAT be given geographical responsibility forthe former USSR. That proposal was rejected. Two weeks later, he recommended giving USSTRATCOM
responsibility for “strategic conventional forces.” The Navy and Air Staffs objected strenuously, claimingthat such wording would cover aircraft carriers, airborne warning and control systems (AWACS), andconventional bombers. The Joint Staff agreed. General Butler said that he was looking toward possibly
integrating conventional capability into the SIOP. But General Powell decided against him, on grounds
that USSTRATCOM’s mission had been conceived by the CINCs as a strategic nuclear one and was so
approved by the President.32
General Powell endorsed an implementation plan for USSTRATCOM on 6 April 1992. The next
day President Bush approved a UCP revision establishing the new command. USSTRATCOM began
functioning on 1 June, and, simultaneously, SAC ceased to exist. USSTRATCOM’s components wereelements from the new Air Combat Command (ICBMs, bombers, and battle management), CINCLANTFLT, and CINCPACFLT (ballistic missile submarines and a strategic communications wing).
The START II Treaty required that a substantial number of US heavy bombers be reoriented toa primarily conventional role. Accordingly, Admiral Paul David Miller, who was CINC of the newly
expanded Atlantic Command, proposed that combatant command of heavy bombers and strategic
reconnaissance aircraft shift from USCINCSTRAT to him. On 27 December 1993 a transfer took place,65

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

and USSTRATCOM’s command of forces was reduced to ICBMs, ballistic missile submarines and battle
management aircraft, which had no role except in a strategic nuclear war.33
Meanwhile, in his February 1993 Report on Roles and Missions of the Armed Forces, General
Powell had recommended a review to determine whether USSPACECOM should be abolished andthe space mission assigned to USSTRATCOM. Such a consolidation might occur if it could be shownto conserve resources and eliminate a substantial number of staff positions. On 15 April Secretary of
Defense Les Aspin commissioned a 90-day study of such a merger. A working group led by J-5 but
drawn from USSTRATCOM, USSPACECOM, NORAD, the Services, and all the Joint Staff directorates agreed that the space mission could be transferred to USSTRATCOM. The cost saving, however,would be limited to eliminating 100 to 300 staff support billets. But was this saving significant enoughto justify a merger? And would the “value added”—that is, improving space support, operational effectiveness, efficiency, and interoperability while maintaining joint Service expertise and a joint operational focus—be enough to warrant a major change? Over this issue, members disagreed sharply. On 2
August, the Director, Joint Staff, informed OSD that streamlining already was under way and that themerger issue would be reexamined after the extent of saving became known. He added that merging
USSTRATCOM into USSPACECOM might then be examined—a reversal of perception about the twocommands’ relative importance.34

Expanding the Atlantic Command
On 22 May 1991, when J-5 presented its plan for nine commands to the JCS, Americas Command
attracted the most attention. FORSCOM, Tactical Air Command, and Atlantic Fleet would be its
Service components. The Chief of Staff, Air Force, General Merrill A. McPeak, strongly supported thisconcept on grounds that having such a command would reduce ad hoc responses to crises. The Chiefof Staff, Army, argued that tailoring force packages was the key to meeting contingencies. The Commandant of the Marine Corps cautioned against presenting Americas Command as the only solution.
The Director, J-5, noted that failure to reduce headquarters was a major weakness; the Joint National
Contingency Force might even require an extra one. General Powell, observing that USEUCOM
would lose at least half its personnel, suggested that a CINCAMERICAS might have his headquarters
in Norfolk, Virginia, and control a sub-unified command in Europe. He had watched USREDCOM
falter because the Navy was not part of it and favored an East Coast headquarters to be sure that the
Navy was involved this time.35
The CINCs’ Conference on 13 August 1991 considered and rejected Americas Command, at leastin the form presented by J-5: a command covering all of North and South America except Alaska,
with USSOUTHCOM being disestablished. General Edwin H. Burba, Jr., strongly advocated retaining his FORSCOM as a specified command. During DESERT SHIELD/STORM, he had talked to andcoordinated with many CINCs; going through a CINCAMERICAS would have made his task morecumbersome. He, CINCLANT, and the Commandant, Marine Corps, all opposed a Joint National
Contingency Force. The Commandant argued that, since CONUS-based ground and air forces alreadywere built into the CINCs’ operational plans (OPLANS), none of them wanted such a force. General
Powell agreed on that point. He also favored retaining USSOUTHCOM and added that he had difficulty seeing how CINCAMERICAS could handle such a wide span of control. “None of the choices
are pleasant,” he reminded conferees, “but we must get smaller.”36

66

1983–1993

A new Air Combat Command (ACC), incorporating elements of TAC, SAC, and MAC, was scheduled
to start operating in June 1992. Early in December 1991 a memorandum signed by the Vice Chief of Staff,
Air Force, recommended designating ACC as a specified command that would parallel FORSCOM’s rolein providing a general reserve, joint training, and readiness and deployment planning. J-5 opposed thissolution as undercutting the practice of assigning forces to the CINCs.37 No action was taken.
At the CINCs’ Conference of August 1992, General Powell reopened the question of whether there
should be a permanent CONUS-based command designed to deal with contingencies. The answers
showed no consensus. General Burba argued again that going through another CINC would make
FORSCOM’s task too complicated. General McPeak disagreed: the CINC simply would tell General
Burba to make telephone calls and coordinate his requirements. McPeak said that he wanted ACC tobe part of another command and not an independent force. General Powell defined the main issue
as being whether a joint national contingency force was needed. The USCINCEUR, General John M.
Shalikashvili, USA, gave his opinion that FORSCOM had rendered good service and he would not
like to see it dissolved. The USCINCCENT, General Joseph P. Hoar, USMC, argued that any war in
CENTCOM would be a coalition war. A CONUS-based force that was globally oriented could acquire
only limited regional expertise. The Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Carl E. Mundy, Jr.,agreed. Not so, General Powell replied. A joint task force was built for DESERT STORM, except that
it was built in Saudi Arabia. But, the Commandant countered, USCENTCOM contained officers who
knew the area and the personalities. General Powell had a rejoinder. When DESERT SHIELD started,
he asked, did General Charles Horner know that he would be the Joint Forces Air Component Commander? General Horner, who was now the USCINCSPACE, replied that he had not. As Commanding
General, 9th Air Force, he could not have become a regional expert because he was reporting to both
USCENTCOM and Tactical Air Command.38
The CINCs’ Conference crystallized three alternatives: First, keep the status quo. Second, establish ACC as a specified command. Third, assign all CONUS-based Army and Air Force units to
USLANTCOM, making it the joint force integrator, and disestablish FORSCOM as a specified command. General Powell decided to take the initiative in pressing the third alternative. The Chairman’s
rationale ran as follows: While the joint/unified system worked well overseas, CONUS forces still were
Service-oriented. As the US presence overseas shrank, it became more important that CONUS-based
forces “be trained to operate jointly as a way of life and not just for occasional exercises.” Growing
acceptance of jointness opened the way toward this last step in unification. ACC as well as FORSCOM
would become components in a unified command, and the term “specified” would be retired. A single
combatant command would ensure the joint training and readiness of response forces. It also would
support emerging missions, such as peacekeeping operations and humanitarian assistance; help copewith domestic disasters; and prepare and test joint doctrines. General Powell deemed USLANTCOM
the most suitable choice for these tasks. The Cold War’s end freed it for a new mission, and it alreadyenjoyed component relationships with FORSCOM, ACC, MARLANT, and LANTFLT. Since the
USCINCLANT was also SACLANT, building joint capabilities would be as important as using the sealanes and so would enhance his position as a major NATO commander. Thus USLANTCOM wouldchange from a principally naval headquarters into a more balanced one, and an officer from any Service
could fill the CINC’s position.39
General Powell presented his concept to the Service Chiefs on 16 October 1992. After anothermeeting on 2 November, they approved its further development. Under Joint Staff leadership, a working

67

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012group with USLANTCOM and Service officers set about refining the concept. On 18 November the
Chairman authorized the preparation of a concept plan. The Joint Staff moved away from the term“Americas Command” because it carried too much emotional baggage from past debates. The Armystill worried about declining Service authority, and the Marine Corps wanted to be sure of retaining
Service-unique capabilities. General Burba several times visited the Director, J-5, Lieutenant General
Edwin S. Leland, USA, to argue against disestablishing FORSCOM.40
In February 1993, in his Report on Roles, Missions, and Functions of the Armed Forces, General
Powell expounded his concept for combining the CONUS-based forces of FORSCOM, ACC, LANTFLT,
and MARLANT into an expanded Atlantic Command. On 11 March the Chairman approved a final
concept for USACOM—the acronym that would replace USLANTCOM.
Yet, to a far greater degree than with the creation of USSTRATCOM, the devil was in the details.
The drafting of guidance for USACOM’s implementation plan sparked a number of controversies. The
Army wanted USACOM to control west coast Navy and Marine forces but argued against giving the
CINC geographic as well as functional responsibilities. USCENTCOM agreed about giving west coast
forces to USACOM. The Navy, supported by USEUCOM and the Marine Corps, advocated having thecomponent CINCLANTFLT also be SACLANT so that SACLANT would remain a naval officer. On
7 April General Powell resolved these issues. First, West Coast naval forces would stay under PACOM.
Second, CINCLANT (soon to be USCINCACOM) would remain SACLANT; the Chairman had
canvassed NATO Defense Chiefs and found that none insisted upon SACLANT always being a naval
officer. Third, Atlantic Command would continue controlling a geographic area so that, among otherthings, Vieques in Puerto Rico would be available for joint exercises. General Powell remarked thattransferring its geographic area to USEUCOM, for example, would make that command in turn toolarge. Fourth, the Chairman did agree that the Secretary of the Army would remain Executive Agentfor domestic emergencies. But, since the Secretary would have to approach the Chairman about usinga CINC’s forces, General Powell believed that his own role as principal military adviser was protected.
The Secretary of the Army, moreover, did lose his role as Executive Agent for many “peacekeeping”
operations; the UCP now assigned combatant command over peacekeeping forces to the appropriate
CINC. General Powell wanted the whole implementation plan to reach a rapid completion and directed,“Make this happen before 30 September”—his own retirement date.41
On 15 April Secretary Aspin directed that USCINCACOM would assume command of
FORSCOM, ACC, LANTFLT, and MARLANT as well as responsibility for joint training, force
packaging, and facilitating deployments of designated CONUS forces. To facilitate USCINCACOM’s
mission as the joint force integrator of most CONUS-based forces, key stateside USAF units thatprovided the conventional capabilities for joint force “packages” were brought under USCINCACOM’s command. Also, the Chairman’s Instruction that detailed the purpose and managementof dual-based forces was revised to reflect USCINCACOM’s new role as the CINC who supported
USCINCEUR. This revision did not fundamentally alter the political or military significance of thedual-based forces concept as stated in the NATO Defense Planning Guidance. A directive dated 20
September formalized all these changes.42
Meantime, on 27 August General Powell asked Secretary Aspin to approve UCP revisions reflecting
USACOM’s new role. USCINCSOUTH proposed stripping USACOM of its geographic area of responsibility; USCINCEUR favored delay until both an implementation plan and an FY 1994 “Forces” document had been approved. The Chairman recommended rejecting both and making the UCP changes

681983–1993

take effect on 1 October. Secretary Aspin agreed and President Clinton gave his approval. Accordingly,
on 1 October USLANTCOM became USACOM, and FORSCOM lost its specified command status.43

Conclusion
The end of the Cold War triggered dramatic changes in the US military establishment but not in the
UCP, because the unified command structure was the product of different factors.44 A functional UCP
reorganization would have cut deeply into what the Services saw as their traditional prerogatives. The
debate over making USCINCTRANS single manager of transportation assets would have been replicated many times. Instead, working within the old geographical framework, the UCP was reshaped
to carry out General Powell’s regional approach set forth in the new National Military Strategy. Hereother constraints worked against major cuts. First, reducing to only four or five CINCs could create
one dominant figure who might undercut other CINCs and even the Chairman. Such a fear did exist
about USCINCACOM, and the UCP placed a unique limitation upon him: “In coordination with theother combatant commanders, identify and prepare for review by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs ofStaff, joint force packages for worldwide employment.” Second, eliminating unified command headquarters might not have generated the manpower savings sought by Congress. With a “super” CINC,
controlling very large areas or forces, work simply would have shifted down to enlarged sub-unified
commands and required bigger staffs there. Third, political and diplomatic factors helped keep commands in being. USSOUTHCOM survived in large part so that direct ties could be maintained withmilitary officers who played dominant roles in many Latin American countries. Fourth, the Services
acted as a powerful force for the status quo. Before Goldwater-Nichols, the corporate JCS usually shiedaway from major reforms and the President or Congress had to precipitate change.
After Goldwater-Nichols, the Chairman’s attitude became crucial. Admiral Crowe, having to workwith some Service Chiefs who had taken office before Goldwater-Nichols, adopted an evolutionary
approach in which consensus still played a significant part. General Powell took the lead in creating USACOM and turning USCINCTRANS into the single manager. At a more mundane level, he cooperated
with OSD in trimming the UCP from 28 pages in 1989 to 14 pages in 1992. Joint Staff officers characterized longer UCPs as “Christmas trees” in the sense that the Services hung on them qualifiers designed toprotect their own prerogatives. In sum, General Powell used the powers given him by Goldwater-Nichols
to work with CINCs like Admiral Miller in removing what he saw as barriers to jointness.

69

Part four
1993–1999

1993–1999
Oiling the Machinery
In the 1995 review, Atlantic Command (ACOM) again emerged as the major topic of debate. Should
ACOM continue combining functional with regional responsibilities? The Chairman, General John
M. Shalikashvili, USA, began the biennial review in February by soliciting recommendations fromthe CINCs and the Services. The Chief of Naval Operations and the CINCUSACOM, General John
M. Sheehan, USMC, proposed turning SOUTHCOM into a sub-unified command under ACOM.
Sheehan also wanted to acquire either combatant command or training oversight of West Coast forces.
Conversely, the Chief of Staff of the Army wanted to eliminate ACOM’s entire geographical AOR. The
Chief of Staff, Air Force, and USCINCSOUTH recommended shifting the Caribbean area from ACOM
to SOUTHCOM; USCINCSOUTH also sought to control the waters adjoining his command out to200 nautical miles, on grounds that this would improve regional engagement, contingency planning,and counter-drug operations.1
Concurrently, a Commission on Roles and Missions of the Armed Forces (CORM) was reviewing
UCP issues. The Commission’s members leaned toward turning ACOM into a purely functional command. Talking to them in April, General Shalikashvili did not dismiss General Sheehan’s argument thathaving a geographic area of responsibility gave him credibility. The Chairman saw reasons for, ultimately,
assigning West Coast forces to ACOM; deploying a brigade from the Hawaii-based 25th Infantry Division to Haiti had shown how units could be multi-tasked. Shalikashvili did agree that, because protecting
the sea-lanes to Europe had lost importance, the Caribbean should be shifted to SOUTHCOM. Miami,
where CINCSOUTH would be relocating his headquarters from Panama, impressed the Chairman as
having become a major Latin American city. Broadening CINCSOUTH’s warfighting capabilities would
give him credibility with Latin American counterparts who came to Miami.2
Some familiar issues were debated again. The USCINCCENT, supported by the Army and Marine
Corps, suggested adding India and a good part of the Indian Ocean to his AOR. Speaking with CORM
members, General Shalikashvili defined the underlying issue as whether India and Pakistan saw a CINC
as the officer who decided which country the United States would fight beside in a war or simply as
the officer who conducted exercises. If the latter, he believed that large nations like India would preferdealing directly with Washington when major issues arose. That being so, India and Pakistan could
remain divided between USPACOM and USCENTCOM. A Commission member favored establishing a Northeast Asia Command. The Chairman replied that Korean unification had to come first; theChinese would not talk to an officer who was also Commander in Chief, United Nations Command.
Finally, opinions differed over whether newly independent states created from the former Soviet Union
should remain unassigned. USCINCPAC and USCINCCENT said yes; USCINCACOM recommended
assigning countries as they joined the Partnership for Peace; CINCSTRAT wanted to assign Ukraine,
Belarus and Kazakhstan after they became non-nuclear states.3

73

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

During May and June 1995, the Chairman removed from consideration a number of controversial
proposals: turning SOUTHCOM into a sub-unified command under ACOM; making CINCSOUTH
responsible for all counter-drug operations in his AOR; giving geographic CINCs authority to budget
and administer operations and maintenance funds for joint training; granting functional CINCs programming and budgeting authority similar to that possessed by USSOCOM; and creating a CINC forlogistics. The Chairman also dropped, as premature, General Sheehan’s suggestion of designating a
CINC for command, control, communications, computers and intelligence.4
Concurrently, the CORM recommended changing ACOM into a purely geographical commandand creating a new functional command that would control CONUS-based general-purpose forces,
reserve as well as active. That way, the Commission concluded, joint force integration would be better
defined, understood and accepted by all the CINCs. But General Shalikashvili successfully urged theSecretary to postpone action, on grounds that the issue needed more study.5
At the CINCs’ conference, on 8 September 1995, the location of a redrawn boundary between
ACOM and SOUTHCOM was the main point of contention. Discussion brought out some points that
had not come to the Chairman’s attention (e.g., the extent of cooperation between PACOM and theChilean navy, and the fact that every agency except the Department of Defense managed Caribbean
and Latin American affairs through a single office). If SOUTHCOM did acquire a water area, the Navy
preferred using lines of latitude and longitude for boundaries rather than following a two hundred milelimit as it curved along the coasts. However, the J-5 proposed giving SOUTHCOM water areas insidecontour lines running three hundred nautical miles from the coasts.6 Expanding SOUTHCOM’s water
area, the J-5 reasoned, would allow it to interact more effectively with Latin American navies and give it
an area of responsibility with more space for joint operations and exercises. Phase I, proposed for 1 January 1996, would shift the waters adjoining Central and South America from ACOM to SOUTHCOM.
Phase II, occurring no earlier than 1 June 1997, would transfer the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, andportions of the Atlantic to SOUTHCOM.7
General Sheehan protested that losing so much water would return ACOM to the two-dimensional
focus of the old Atlantic Command. Why not, instead, consider putting SOUTHCOM under ACOMto (1) firmly establish ACOM’s multi-dimensional joint focus and (2) provide an AOR that would be
exceptionally conducive to joint training and integration? In October, nonetheless, the JCS agreed tothe expansion of SOUTHCOM’s area of responsibility outlined above. But the Navy prevailed to theextent that the new water boundaries would be drawn along lines of latitude and longitude.8
On 23 October 1995, General Shalikashvili asked Secretary of Defense William J. Perry to endorse
three UCP changes. First, revise STRATCOM’s mission to replace outdated wording that had encompassed peacetime missions as well as wartime taskings. Second, shift from USPACOM to USCENTCOM
the Arabian Sea and portions of the Indian Ocean. This would move command boundaries away fromchoke points and provide space to conduct joint operations and training. Third, immediately enlarge
USSOUTHCOM’s area of responsibility to include waters off the Central and South American coasts.
Not earlier than 1 June 1997, transfer to USSOUTHCOM the Caribbean basin, the Gulf of Mexico anda portion of the Atlantic Ocean. As spokesman for the combatant commanders, Shalikashvili pointed
out that CINCUSACOM and USCINCPAC opposed enlarging USSOUTHCOM. The Chairman also
concluded that, contrary to the CORM’s recommendation, USACOM should retain both geographic
and functional responsibilities for the time being. He favored postponing, until the joint training
system had time to mature, a decision about putting West Coast forces under USACOM. Some in the74

1993–1999

Office of the Secretary of Defense tried to accelerate transferring the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico,
but Secretary Perry supported the Chairman. On 28 December 1995, President William J. Clinton
approved these changes.9
At the CINCs’ conference in January 1997, General Shalikashvili asserted that US armed forces
had reached a new level of competence; he was “not persuaded that we are doing anything wrong.” The
Director, J-5, recommended tasking an evolutionary approach to the UCP in 1997, leaving considerationof “revolutionary” changes for the next cycle—and the next Chairman. Assignment of countries createdfrom the former Soviet Union fell into the category of evolutionary change. In the Defense Department’sview, the increased US presence in these countries showed the need for CINCs to assume planningresponsibilities. Accordingly, J-5 proposed assigning the Western Slavic and Caucasus states—Ukraine,
Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan—to USEUCOM. USCENTCOM would get theCentral Asian states—Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgizstan. The State
Department did not object, and these assignments were incorporated into the next UCP.10
Should space be defined as a geographic AOR? The J-5 cautioned against creating perceptions ofintent to militarize space and saw no compelling reason to define space as an AOR. But in June 1997 the
USCINCSPACE, General Howell M. Estes, III, USAF, advised the Chairman that it was time to act. Having
an AOR would allow USSPACECOM to develop a cohesive regional strategy for space and to establish ties,
through military-to-military contacts, with other entities involved in space. State Department representatives, however, voiced “serious concerns” about damaging Russian-American relations, particularly, ABM
negotiations and the ratification of START II. The NSC Staff held a similar view. Accordingly, J-5 proposed
expanding USSPACECOM’s mission only in modest ways: first, to serve as the single point of contact forspace operational matters; second, to provide military representation to US national, commercial andinternational agencies for matters related to space operations; third, to plan and implement security assistance related to space operations; and fourth, to coordinate and conduct space campaign planning. These
additions mostly codified what already was taking place.11 On January 1998, President Clinton approved
a UCP that incorporated the revisions for USEUCOM, USCENTCOM and USSPACECOM describedabove. It also tasked each CINC with responsibility for the security and force protection of his command,and precisely spelled out USACOM’s responsibilities as the joint force integrator.12

Emerging Issues: Homeland Defense and Information Warfare
The next UCP cycle took up “revolutionary” changes, and the focus of attention shifted sharply. The
threats to US territory, particularly from terrorism, appeared to be large and growing. The bombing in
Oklahoma City, the attempted destruction of the World Trade Center, and the release of sarin gas in
the Tokyo subway dramatized the new dangers. A National Defense Panel, in December 1997, outlined
a “transformation strategy” that accentuated homeland defense and control of cyberspace. The Panelproposed abolishing USACOM, giving USSPACECOM the mission of information support on a global
scale, and creating three new commands. A Joint Forces Command would take responsibility for thereadiness and training of all CONUS-based active and reserve forces, and provide combat-ready forces
to all other commands. An Americas Command would have the mission of protecting the hemisphere,
deterring the use of weapons of mass destruction, and building hemispheric cooperation. Homeland
Defense and North American Aerospace Defense would be sub-unified commands under it. A Logistics
Command would integrate the missions of USTRANSCOM and the Defense Logistics Agency.1375History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

In May 1998, Deputy Secretary of Defense John Hamre concluded that homeland defense ought tobecome a CINC’s responsibility. What, he asked the Vice Chairman, was the best way to proceed? As matters stood, the Secretary of the Army served as the executive agent for military support to civil authority.
In certain situations, the Secretary could task service assets directly without CINC or Joint Staff coordination. The Army’s Director of Military Support (DOMS), who reported to the Deputy Chief of Staff
for Operations, was executive agent for “weapons of mass destruction consequence management”—i.e.,
dealing with the aftermath of a manmade disaster. The current UCP made CINCUSACOM responsible
for military support to civil authorities as well as military assistance for civil disturbances.14
The January 1998 CINCs’ conference decided to commission a study of how the UCP should evolve
as far ahead as 2010. The new chairman, General Hugh H. Shelton, USA, cited review of ACOM’s roleand homeland defense as his top priorities. Should homeland defense remain decentralized among
several DOD organizations or be centralized, either within the DOD or under a unified command?15
Shelton believed that the key to turning Joint Vision 2010 into operational reality lay in an aggressive
experimentation program focused at the joint or “seam” areas where the Services by themselves fell
short. ACOM struck him as the logical place to locate these experiments. The Chairman wanted toreview the roles of ACOM and CONUS-based commands in the coming UCP cycle, then address 21st
century issues in the next one. He also directed the Joint Staff to work upon defensive information
operations and, after an organization had been created, deal with offensive information operations.16
In September, the Chairman and the CINCs agreed upon important steps. First, replace ACOM in
1999 with a Joint Forces Command (JFCOM) that would be geographic as well as functional. Second,
organize a Joint Task Force—Civil Support that would be subordinate to JFCOM; hold open the possibility of assigning it to a sub-unified command or another CINC. Third, continue organizing a JTF forcomputer network defense (CND). The CINCUSACOM observed that giving Information Support to
SPACECOM would not leave enough duties to justify a homeland defense command. General Shelton
replied that counter-terrorism, consequence management, DOMS, and national missile defense all
could become larger tasks.17
Concurrently, contractors submitted to the Joint Staff a study, UCP-21, that buttressed the Chairman’s and CINC’s conclusions. According to UCP-21, service component headquarters in geographic
commands were inadequately prepared, trained, and equipped to head joint task forces. Therefore, Joint
Forces Command should integrate service capabilities by training joint command and control elements.
Also, JFCOM ought to design and manage the development of joint doctrine, and experiment with new
operational concepts. Among other things, the study recommended creating, at some later time, anall-service Logistics Command as well as a US Defense Command. The latter would: control national
missile and air defense; assume DOMS missions; support crisis and consequence management; andexercise oversight of efforts to protect DOD installations and computer networks.18
In June 1999 General Shelton spelled out his UCP priorities for Secretary of Defense William S.
Cohen. Joint Forces Command would receive the resources needed to get the most benefits from its
experimentation program. A JTF-Civil Support, reporting through CINCJFCOM to the Chairman,
would start functioning. But, he reported, there was disagreement within Defense and among agencies about the next step. Shelton’s inclination was to build the JTF into a homeland defense command.
As an interim step, he wanted JTF-Civil Support to acquire responsibility for all military support
to civilian authorities within the United States. JTF-Computer Network Defense had reached fulloperational capability.19

76

1993–1999

The J-5 had circulated a draft UCP for final coordination. In mid-June, unresolved issues werebrought to General Shelton for resolution. The most important ones concerned JFCOM. First, the Air
Force opposed giving JFCOM a mission to “support development and utilization of fully interoperable
systems and capabilities,” including Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Surveillance
and Reconnaissance. Since everyone else had approved this mission, however, Shelton retained it. Second, for the task of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) consequence management, the Army sought
to insert “subject to Secretary of Defense approval and/or applicable DOD guidance.” But, J-5 noted, theChairman’s intent was to require that orders come from the Secretary of Defense, not from the Secretary of the Army via DOMS. Consequently, Shelton deleted “and/or applicable DOD guidance.” Third,
instead of simply serving as the joint force trainer, CINCUSACOM wanted the new CINCJFCOM tobe “Executive Agent for Joint Training by implementing, managing, and assessing the CJCS exercise
program.” Shelton compromised, designating him as “lead” rather than executive agent, and only for
the CINC’s portion of the program. Fourth, CINCUSACOM asked that JFCOM acquire the following
missions: conduct joint and interoperability training of assigned forces that were to operate as part ofjoint/combined task forces; and provide joint training of units not trained by other geographic commands. He wanted to have joint interoperability training recognized as being separate from component
interoperability training. The basic difference lay in who would be the commander. General Shelton
agreed to the first mission but not the second. Thus, he ensured that JFCOM would advance beyond
ACOM in joint experimentation and training and WMD consequence management.20
On 29 September 1999, upon the recommendations of General Shelton and Secretary Cohen,
President Clinton approved the UCP. Effective 1 October, replacing USACOM, US Joint Forces Command would serve as the lead joint force integrator, the lead agent for joint force training, and the DOD
executive agent for joint force experimentation. Its JTF-Civil Support would plan for and integrate
DOD assistance to the lead federal agency managing the consequences of a domestic WMD event. The
JTF would be commanded by a two-star officer, drawn from the Guard or Reserve component, with asmall headquarters staff.
Appended to the Plan was a non-binding “Vision” statement, the first of its kind that described
possible developments in the next century. USJFCOM might change into a purely functional command.
Homeland defense either could be consolidated under a US Command or those tasks could remain
distributed among combatant commanders. Missions related to information support might burgeon
to such an extent that USSPACECOM would be reconfigured into a Space and Information Command.
Finally, some areas long left unassigned, particularly Mexico, might be given to unified commands.21

77

Part five
1999–2012

1999–2012
The 2002 Unified Command Plan (UCP)
At the time of the September 11, 2001, multiple terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon,
and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, JFCOM (established by the 1999 UCP) was in charge of land defense of
the continental United States and the land and maritime defense of Canada. NORAD defended the land,sea, and air approaches to North America. Under a bi-national agreement with Canada, the commander
of NORAD was simultaneously the commander of SPACECOM and answered directly to the CJCS as
well as the Canadian Chief of the Defense Staff. PACOM and SOUTHCOM were responsible for states
and territories outside the continental United States but within their respective AORs.1
In reaction to the attacks, on 21 September the Joint Chiefs of Staff proposed to Secretary of Defense
Donald Rumsfeld the creation of a Unified CINC for Homeland Defense to coordinate and integrate
joint and interagency planning and execution. A single military commander would direct military
support for preemption of or response to future attacks against United States territory.2
One week later, the OSD staff proposed to include Southern Command in a merged organization
renamed “Americas Command.” Under this arrangement, JFCOM would become a functional command, leading joint efforts in transformation, interoperability, and force deployment. The Principal
Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Stephen Cambone, further proposed merging adjacentcommands in Europe, Asia, and Africa, ultimately creating three mega-commands. Each would havethree or four standing joint task forces, for example JTF Europe, JTF Mediterranean, JTF Middle East,and so forth. Such changes, he believed, would force commanders to think more globally and better
prepare for trans-regional threats.3
Around the same time, USCINCJFCOM proposed consolidating all homeland security efforts
under his command with a Joint Operating Area that included the continental United States or CONUS,
Alaska, Canada, and littoral waters out to a 200 nautical mile limit. NORAD would retain the air
defense mission.4 OSD Policy favored a single CINC for homeland security but opposed JFCOM fillingthat role.5 To resolve JFCOM’s status in homeland defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,
General Richard B. Myers, USAF, suggested the imminent UCP review (then in its preliminary stage)might be an appropriate venue to explore such a change.6

Service Reactions to OSD’s 2002 UCP Proposals
To organize for the Global War on Terrorism and to address transformation and homeland security
issues raised by the Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) (published 20 September 2001), on 1 October
the Secretary of Defense asked the Chiefs for their thoughts on two UCP concepts. Plan A proposed
the formation of an Americas Command to unify the direction of the homeland security mission.
STRATCOM and SOUTHCOM would be downgraded to three-star sub-unified command status.7
JFCOM would become a purely functional command without an area of responsibility, allowing it tofocus on transformation issues. SOCOM would become the supported CINC for aspects of the Global

81

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

War on Terrorism while EUCOM would be converted to LANTCOM and assume responsibility for
the Atlantic AOR, all of Russia, and the Horn of Africa. PACOM would relinquish control of US west
coast naval and Marine forces and responsibility for Alaska.8
Plan B was more sweeping. It would shift the regionally oriented CINCs into globally oriented ones
by strengthening forward deterrence with regionally tailored Standing Joint Task Forces (SJTF) andheadquarters. Accordingly, two functional unified commands—Strategic, Space, Information Operations Command (STRATSPACEINFOCOM) and SOCOM—would have global conventional strike,counter-terrorism, and counter-proliferation missions. The Services would provide forces directly to the
SJTFs and the Chairman would allocate forces, create a new readiness and force management system tosupport the SJTFs, and maintain the joint pool of forces available for deployment. The nine CombatantCommands would become six and merge into three mega-commands: Americas Command; Projection Forces Command (East) (responsible for Europe, the Levant, the Middle East, Southwest Asia, theAtlantic, and West Africa); and Projection Forces Command (West) (responsible for Northeast andSoutheast Asia, the Indian Ocean, South and Central Asia, and East Africa).9
The Army wanted either JFCOM or SOUTHCOM designated for the homeland defense mission. It
concurred on the need to realign the combatant commanders’ area of responsibility but cautioned thatmaking hasty decisions with neither a strategic plan nor defined homeland security responsibilities wasrisky and might alienate allies. Army leaders rejected Approach B because of the excessive operational
span of control, multiplicity of JTF headquarters, and over dependence of SJTFs that they felt reduced
the CINC’s operational flexibility.10
The Navy, in contrast, favored a new AMERICOM for homeland defense and fewer geographic
CINCs for improved coordination; as a consequence, JFCOM would become a functional command.
Like the Army, however, the Navy opposed Plan B, citing the layered headquarters that reduced efficiency, a CINCAMERICA simultaneously commanding NORAD that overextended the span of control,and SJTF requirements that diminished rotational force flexibility and forward presence.11 The Air Forceagreed with the idea of a single regional America Command for homeland security and, consistent
with the other services, opposed Plan B, arguing that it was essential to preserve the regional CINCs
political-military and operational relationships.12
The Marine Corps also endorsed the concept of a single CINC for homeland security but opposed
JFCOM filling that role or being responsible for SACLANT. Differing from the other services, theMarine Corps thought the Plan B approach would increase unity of effort for homeland defense andpromote better forward presence operations through multiple SJTFs. The Commandant did hedge
slightly by acknowledging that such a radical reorganization might carry unforeseen consequences. A
proliferation of headquarters, for instance, would not streamline organizations; nor would dismantling
current CINC relationships improve intelligence and information sharing with allies.13
The Joint Staff opposed placing JFCOM in charge of homeland security and reducing geographic
commands below four. It wanted a definition of the homeland security mission and accompanying
responsibilities; a single CINC Americas Command for that mission; a reorganized JFCOM as a purely
functional command; transfer of the Supreme Allied Command, Atlantic (SACLANT) from JFCOM;
and designation of currently “unassigned regions” to geographic CINCs.14
Until a new command for homeland defense became operational, General Myers and the Combatant Commanders agreed that JFCOM should continue its homeland defense and transformation missions. They rejected replacing the five regional commands with three mega-commands,

82

1999–2012

which they felt would carry unmanageable spans of control, disrupt existing bilateral and regional
relationships, and complicate the proposed new homeland defense command’s mission.15 The J-5,
Service, and COCOM planners instead recommended JFCOM’s gradual conversion to a functionalcommand, the establishment of a new homeland defense command, and placing NORAD withinthat new command.16 This became Approach “C” and foreshadowed the revisions eventually incorporated into the 2002 UCP.
The Service Chiefs’ and the CINCs’ initial appraisals of the proposed UCP changes were mixed.
The Army, Marine Corps, and Southern Command pressed for the retention of SOUTHCOM, arguingthat only a four-star commander could interact effectively with Latin and South American militaryleaders.17 JFCOM sought responsibility for Homeland Security, but with the exception of the Army, theServices favored NORAD for that mission. Few CINCs supported JFCOM’s initiative. By late October,
the Director of the Joint Staff urged greater consensus among the Services to improve General Myers’
efforts to gain OSD agreement for Option C.18
From mid-October 2001 through mid-February 2002, Secretary Cambone met frequently with the
J-5 Deputy Director for Strategy and Policy, Rear Admiral (lower half) Barry M. Costello, to discuss
UCP revisions; they also met irregularly with General Myers and Secretary Rumsfeld on the subject.
One seemingly attractive suggestion was to make the commander of NORAD simultaneously a subordinate unified commander under a homeland defense command. This would alter the NORAD Agreement19 that gave the NORAD commander and his Canadian deputy direct access to their respective
governments. To maintain this treaty requirement, General Myers directed the Joint Staff to dual-hat
the homeland security commander as head of NORAD thereby retaining the bi-national CINC. Aftera 26 November JCS Tank review, the emerging military consensus supported a homeland security
commander dual-hatted as NORAD, although some sympathy remained for a sub-unified NORAD
command under a new CINC or JFCOM becoming the Homeland Security CINC.20
Shortly afterward the Secretary approved a CINC dedicated to homeland security but rejected
JFCOM for that mission. He also wanted SACLANT removed from JFCOM’s control to allow
USCINCJFCOM to focus on training and transformation issues. SOUTHCOM would retain its fourstar status. The location of the new Homeland Security Command headquarters remained the outstanding issue. OSD was concerned that removing the headquarters from the immediate Washington,
DC, area might complicate the interagency coordination process, which was, after all, the purposeof the Office of Homeland Security located in the nation’s capital.21 In mid-December, the Joint Staff
recommended a new homeland defense command, with a four-star CINC dual-hatted as NORAD
commander, be located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.22
Several UCP issues still divided the Joint Chiefs. These included the decision on a CINC for
Homeland Security, SOUTHCOM’s status, and the location of the new homeland security command
either in Norfolk, Virginia, or Colorado Springs, Colorado.23 The Navy, Marines, and especially the
Army strongly opposed dual-hatting NORAD (an Air Force general officer position) as new homeland
security chief, believing there would be a bias toward the air threat at the expense of maritime and landinterests. The Navy still favored a sub-unified SOUTHCOM; the Marines did not. Although it was
known that Secretary Rumsfeld wanted the UCP process to move quickly, the Army recommended aslower approach while the Marines favored immediate action, believing it imperative to stiffen publicconfidence sufficiently to withstand another weapons of mass destruction (WMD) attack. Only the Air
Force was satisfied with the CJCS’ draft recommendations and did not furnish written comments.24

83

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

At a 3 January 2002 JCS executive session, a consensus emerged to create a new, tenth CINC,NORTHCOM, for homeland security effective 1 October 2002; to divest JFCOM of SACLANT
responsibility; to assign unassigned countries to geographic AORs; and to maintain SOUTHCOM asa four-star command.25 Four days later, Generals Myers and Peter Pace, USMC, the Vice Chairman,
Joint Chiefs of Staff, recommended to Secretary Rumsfeld the creation of a Northern Command forhomeland security with NORAD as a sub-unified command. Senior Canadian officials sought topreserve NORAD’s existing chain of command, which allowed the Canadian deputy commander
direct access to the Ottawa government.26 NORTHCOM’s location was likewise a sensitive issue
between allies; placing the headquarters in the National Capital Region, for example, would diminish
the importance of NORAD Headquarters in Colorado Springs and with it the Canadian role in the
defense of North America.27
After the Joint Staff made certain revisions as directed by Secretary Rumsfeld, he approved thecreation of a Homeland Security Combatant Command effective 1 October 2002. Its area of responsibility would include the continental United States, Alaska (whose forces would remain assigned to
PACOM), Canada, Mexico, and adjoining waters to at least 500 nautical miles, the US Virgin Islands,
and Puerto Rico. Secretary Rumsfeld endorsed naming the new command NORTHCOM but did notselect its location. He agreed to divest JFCOM of SACLANT and its lead role for homeland security
support in order to enable JFCOM to focus on transformation, training, and experimentation issues.
USSPACECOM would relinquish the NORAD mission, and the geographic commands would assign
responsibility for currently unassigned countries. The Secretary simultaneously initiated a reviewof the establishment of a US Americas Command effective 1 October 2003 and a possible merger of
SPACECOM with STRATCOM.28 Merging two CINCs would permit the establishment of the new
CINCNORTHCOM without exceeding the current number of nine CINCs.
On 21 January 2002, Secretary Rumsfeld shifted the boundary of EUCOM to include Greenlandand Iceland (previously under SACLANT) and assigned Antarctica (previously unassigned) to PACOM.
The Joint Staff originally recommended that two other unassigned areas—Russia west of 100 degrees
longitude and the Caspian Sea be assigned to EUCOM and Russia east of 100 degrees go to PACOM.
The Navy and PACOM concurred, but the Army, Air Force, and EUCOM insisted that because thegeopolitical center of Russia faced the West, it should be assigned to EUCOM. The following month theSecretary approved General Myers’ recommendation that assigned Russia to EUCOM with PACOM
in support for the Russian Far East.29 On 11 February General Myers and Secretary Rumsfeld briefed
President George W. Bush, fulfilling the statutory requirement to notify the President of changes to the
UCP. The President agreed to all recommendations.30
Two days later General Myers formally requested Secretary Rumsfeld’s approval of the final UCP
draft. As revised, on 1 October NORTHCOM would begin operations to defend the continental UnitedStates (out to 500 nautical miles), Canada, Mexico, and Alaska. The CINCNORTHCOM would bedual-hatted as commander of NORAD with authority over participating Canadian air units. The newcommand would absorb JFCOM’s geographic area of responsibility, except for the Atlantic, which
would be transferred to EUCOM. General Myers also recommended an in-depth study of the mergerof STRATCOM and SPACECOM before its inclusion in future UCP revisions.31
Secretary Rumsfeld’s approval carried the caveat that the Services could not use the UCP changes
to justify additional staffing or another four-star position. Augmentation of new commands such as
NORTHCOM would have to come from levies of personnel currently assigned to other headquarters.

84

1999–2012

In early March, General Myers assured the Secretary that all other headquarters’ staffs would be cut
15 percent to provide personnel for the NORTHCOM Headquarters.32
The resolution of the NORTHCOM four-star position altered the existing arrangement of having two NATO supreme commanders, SACEUR for Europe and SACLANT, then in JFCOM, for the
Atlantic. The European NATO partners originally wanted JFCOM to retain the Atlantic area in order tomaintain NATO’s trans-Atlantic link with the United States. Secretary Rumsfeld’s mid-January decisionthat JFCOM would be a functional command divested it of its SACLANT responsibilities. In part toaccommodate the European allies and in part to solve the NORTHCOM issue, he accepted the SACEUR
and head of EUCOM General Joseph Ralston’s, USAF, advice to dual-hat SACEUR and SACLANT.
Combining two current four-star billets would make a four-star position available for NORTHCOM andsatisfy Secretary Rumsfeld’s requirement that no new four-star positions be created.33 In mid-February
General Myers, with NATO officials’ agreement, recommended that Secretary Rumsfeld approve thereassignment of the Atlantic area of operations to European Command.
General Myers sent the finalized UCP to Secretary Rumsfeld who in turn forwarded the document to President Bush on 16 April. The President signed the document two weeks later. The officiallyapproved UCP established NORTHCOM effective 1 October 2002, realigned geographic areas, made
JFCOM a purely functional command effective upon NORTHCOM’s activation, assigned Alaska to
NORTHCOM, and retained SOUTHCOM and USSTRATCOM.34

Changes to the 2002 UCP: Change-1
During the 2002 UCP review, General Myers had recommended to Secretary Rumsfeld that a comprehensive study precede a possible merger of US Strategic Command (STRATCOM) and US SpaceCommand (SPACECOM). The Secretary agreed and deferred any merger, pending the study’s outcome.
Consequently the 2002 UCP identified ten CINCs. Secretary Rumsfeld, however, still opposed a tenth
CINC, so one had to be deactivated.35
By March 2002 the J-5 Policy Division had already started planning for a STRATCOM/SPACECOM
merger. Over the next two months, a series of conferences, special studies, outside expert panels, table
top studies, and briefings involving J-5 personnel, retired senior officers, as well as military and civilian officials culminated on 19 April when the Deputy Directorate for Strategy and Policy’s (DDS&P)
proposed merger received approval in principle at the JCS Tank. Later that month, an expert panel
headed by three retired senior officers (one from each service), under the sponsorship of the Institutefor Defense Analysis (IDA), endorsed a merger of STRATCOM and SPACECOM to enhance commandand control under a single combatant commander. Technological advances were outpacing doctrine,
particularly in global information operations, and a new STRATCOM could direct integrated global
planning and execution to link strategic capabilities and the space domain. On 30 April General Myers
gained Secretary Rumsfeld’s approval for the JCS’ merger concept.36
CINCSTRATCOM supported the merger in the name of integrated operational effectiveness andrecommended a quick decision to capitalize on the current momentum of support for major change.
CINCSPACE agreed on the imperative to merge to resolve growing overlap between space, information
operations, and strategic attack and defense.37
The Secretary requested the Joint Staff prepare a briefing on the merger for the President based on
the assumptions that the 2002 UCP would be revised not later than mid-August; a commander would85

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

be nominated; and the merged command would achieve initial operating capability on 1 October 2002
with Full Operation Capability to follow one year later. He further directed study of potential emerging
missions—global strike; missile defense; information operations; and command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR)—for the new command.38
Secretary Rumsfeld subsequently met with President Bush on 31 May and, after discussing possible
locations for the new, expanded STRATCOM headquarters, the President agreed to use Offutt AFBin Omaha, Nebraska.39
Naming the new command was essential in order to nominate a commander and revise the UCP.
Admiral James O. Ellis, Commander, USSTRATCOM, preferred either Global Operations Commandor retaining STRATCOM. The Vice Chairman and influential Congressional members recommended
retaining the STRATCOM name in order to present the merger as an internal reorganization. On 20
June, Secretary Rumsfeld officially requested the President approve Change-1 to the 2002 UCP, themerger of STRATCOM and SPACECOM under a four-star general officer designated as a commander
of a Unified Combatant Command, effective 1 October 2002. Secretary Rumsfeld and General Myers
publicly announced the merger at a 26 June press conference.40 The same day General Myers issued
terms of reference for the merger to the Service Chiefs and COCOM commanders.41
In mid-July General Myers formally recommended to Secretary Rumsfeld that US Strategic Command and US Space Command be merged as a new combatant command, retaining the name US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) and headquartered at Offutt Air Force Base. The new STRATCOM
would be assigned the missions and responsibilities of the two current commands while the Joint Staff
studied the feasibility and desirability of assigning it other emerging missions.42 Secretary Rumsfeld
approved after the Chairman reassured him that the Joint Staff and the Combatant Commands were
determined to stay within current end strength.43
On 22 July the Secretary forwarded Change-1 to the 2002 UCP to the President, who on 30 Julysigned the document that created a “new” USSTRATCOM that had the responsibilities for the nuclear
missions of the “old” STRATCOM and space operations, including warning and assessment of space
attack, previously assigned to USSPACECOM, the latter being disestablished. The accelerated paceenabled the President to nominate Admiral Ellis as STRATCOM commander on 2 August before
Congress adjourned for its August recess.44

Changes to the 2002 UCP: Change-2
Under the Joint Staff’s lead, the emerging issues studies that resulted in Change-2 to the 2002 UCP wereconducted at IDA with the participation from the Services, Combatant Commands, and OSD.45 As ageneralization, the Services and the Combatant Commanders carefully restricted a merged STRATCOM’s authorities over their resources or geographic areas of responsibility.46 On 11 September the J-5
briefed the results of the missile defense study to the Joint Chiefs in the Tank and made several changes
that satisfied Service and COCOM concerns. Two JCS Tank sessions—one in September and anotherin October—approved the recommended UCP changes.47
After final coordination with the Service Chiefs, OSD, and the Combatant Commanders, on 7
December General Myers recommended that Secretary Rumsfeld approve changes that consolidated
STRATCOM’s missile defense responsibilities, expanded the merged command’s role in C4ISR in
support of strategic, global missions, and increased responsibility for strategic information operations.

861999–2012

The range of the new responsibilities extended STRATCOM’s date for full operational capability until
1 January 2004.48 On 11 December the Secretary forwarded his endorsement of the revisions to theWhite House for the President’s approval.49
President Bush signed Change-2 to the 2002 UCP on 10 January 2003.50 A merged STRATCOM
and SPACECOM formed the “new” STRATCOM headquartered at Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha,
Nebraska, with elements at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colorado. STRATCOM continued to retain primary responsibility among the combatant commanders for strategic nuclear forces,
gained SPACECOM’s missions, assumed the global strike responsibility, tasked and coordinated C4ISR
capabilities in support of strategic force employment, to include global strike, missile defense, and, as
directed, associated planning.51

The 2004 UCP
Although the revised UCP 2002 and its accompanying two changes were the most dramatic modifications to the UCP since its inception in 1946, there was still unfinished business. NORTHCOM wasto achieve full operating capability by 1 October 2003 and implement its newly assigned emerging
missions by January 2004; memoranda of agreement to coordinate several AOR boundaries were inpreparation; the “new” STRATCOM Headquarters was undergoing consolidation; and STRATCOM’s
newly assigned missions were due for completion by January 2004.52
Also unresolved were reassessments of several geographic AORs, particularly sub-Saharan Africa,
the Levant, and Central Asia. Furthermore, the Defense Planning Guidance (DPG) for FY 04-09 tasked
the Combatant Commanders to establish Standing Joint Forces Headquarters (SJFHQ) by FY 2005 thatreflected standards developed by JFCOM; a related November 2002 DPG-directed study recommended
that DLA and TRANSCOM become “Distribution Process Co-owners” of the logistics function. OSD
retained a strong interest in the establishment of a US Americas Command, and SOCOM, with new
OSD-approved responsibilities, wanted to codify these authorities in the revised UCP. NORTHCOM
sought clarification of the role of US Element, NORAD, in the new COCOM arrangement.53
Two major UCP changes—the reassignment of the Levant and the clarification of TRANSCOM’srole—were decided independently of the UCP process. The former became part of the 2004 UCP while
the latter appeared as Change-3 to the 2002 UCP.

The Levant (Israel, Lebanon, and Syria)
After Secretary Rumsfeld’s mid-April 2003 injunction to examine adding Syria, Israel, and Lebanon,
among other countries, to CENTCOM’s AOR, General Myers recommended that the issue be considered as part of the next UCP review.54 The J-5 Organization & Policy believed that the three nations were
inextricably linked and should remain within the EUCOM AOR for two reasons. First, UCP changes
involving Israel might disrupt the Middle East Peace process and second, they might interfere withthe strong working relationship developed over the years between EUCOM and the Israeli military.
Among the Services, only the Air Force favored shifting the Levant countries to CENTCOM, and only
CENTCOM among the COCOMs endorsed the move.55
A December JCS Tank meeting endorsed the status quo arrangement. Secretary Rumsfeld, though,pursued the issue and in February 2004 again asked senior military and civilian officials to consider

87

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

moving Syria and Lebanon to CENTCOM. He believed that the deterrent effect coupled with imminent
US sanctions then under consideration would compel Syria to react seriously to United States’ actions.56
Without awaiting a reply, two days later Secretary Rumsfeld brought Vice Chairman General Peter
Pace, USMC, to the White House (General Myers being out of the country).
Following a meeting with President Bush, the Vice Chairman notified the Director of the Joint
Staff that the President had directed that Syria and Lebanon be immediately transferred to the
CENTCOM AOR. The next day, 12 February, the J-5 prepared appropriate language and transmittal
memoranda and forwarded them to the Vice Chairman and Secretary of Defense. Later that day, Secretary Rumsfeld endorsed and forwarded the packet to the White House where the President approved
Change-3 to the 2002 UCP on 10 March, although without signing the enclosed cover memo. On 22
March the National Security Council’s Executive Secretary signed a memo indicating the President’s
formal approval of the change, which was officially released over the Joint Staff Director’s signatureon 27 April.57

TRANSCOM
General Myers disagreed with the DPG’s proposal for dual oversight of the logistics distribution process
and advocated a single management organization. Apparently to address such concerns, in January
2003 Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz commissioned a Joint Staff-OSD Senior Executive
Council six-month study to determine how best to implement a single DOD supply chain manager.
In April General Myers informed Secretary Rumsfeld of the progress of the Wolfowitz-directed study
and the possibility that it would propose changes to the UCP.58
Apparently based on the findings of the Wolfowitz study, in September Secretary Rumsfeld designated TRANSCOM the Distribution Process Owner to serve as the single entity to direct and supervise
execution of the Strategic Distribution system. He instructed the Chairman to prepare appropriate
language to reflect the change in the UCP 2004. Following the Secretary’s guidance, in January 2004
the Joint Chiefs of Staff approved TRANSCOM as the Distribution Process Owner for the DOD andthe single command responsible for providing patient movement, redeployment, and terminal management. Its new responsibilities in the 2004 UCP included directing and supervising the execution of
the strategic distribution system and developing and implementing distribution process improvementsthat enhance the Defense Logistics and Global Supply Chain.59

The 2004 UCP Process
During the Combatant Commander Conference in late January 2003, Secretary Rumsfeld had identified potential issues for the 2004 UCP review, including the establishment of Americas Command; amerger of CENTCOM and EUCOM; the concept of standing joint task forces; and a revalidation of
JFCOM’s role as a force provider in addition to its responsibilities for joint warfighting, transformation,and experimentation.60
The Joint Staff questioned the specifics of these issues. Was only recently established NORTHCOM,
for instance, prepared to handle South American affairs? It judged the CENTCOM-EUCOM merger tobe poorly timed and disruptive of unity of command because of the resulting enormous span of control.
In late February, General Myers requested the Service Chiefs and Combatant Commanders provide

881999–2012

him with their top five specific proposals for the next UCP review cycle. Their input became the basis
for his 5 March 2003 recommendations to Secretary Rumsfeld.61
The Chairman, following his personal inclinations and the VCJCS’ advice, proposed postponing
study of a merger of NORTHCOM and SOUTHCOM until late 2004—one year after USNORTHCOM
achieved full operational capability. Before realigning geographic AORs, he recommended a thoroughcost-benefit study, something previously never conducted.62
The J-5 likewise was leery of hurried geographic changes and cautioned against the disruptive
effects of hasty mergers of AOR expansion in favor of a phased approach to UCP change premised onstrengthening unity of command and unity of effort. Similar considerations of unity of command led
J-5 planners to oppose sub-unifying combatant commands with global missions.63
Planners also addressed significant functional issues, including JFCOM’s role as the Joint Provider
and in the joint development process, US Element North American Aerospace Defense’s (USELEMNORAD) continued relevance, and SOCOM’s newly assigned missions and responsibilities relative tothe War on Terror. The creation of standing Joint Task Force headquarters and sub-unified commands
were the chief organizational concerns.64
The J-5 planners again advised careful deliberation regarding major functional issues such as
USELEMNORAD’s proposed elimination or the specifics of SOCOM’s role in the war on terrorism in
the UCP. Their “go slow” approach reflected in part General Myers’ desire to “let the dust settle” on the2002 UCP changes before undertaking “more big issues” and in part the need to reassert the J-5’s andthe Chairman’s prerogative in crafting the UCP review process against perceived OSD encroachments.65
The Services unanimously opposed AMERICOM, pending NORTHCOM achieving full operating
capability. The geographic COCOMs were divided on the issue. CENTCOM, NORTHCOM, SOUTHCOM, and STRATCOM opposed a merger because separate commands were essential to execute
separate missions. PACOM and SOCOM favored further study during the current UCP review. For
reasons of span of control the Services and COCOMs rejected a EUCOM-CENTCOM merger.66 Only
the Marines would sub-unify Africa, the other Services agreeing there was no compelling need to do
so. Indeed, sub-unifying Africa would not rectify the security issue, run counter to DOD efforts tostreamline management of headquarters’ staffs, and hamper EUCOM, which would have to staff the
new headquarters from existing resources.
The Combatant Commands tended to be protective of their respective AORs and interests at theexpense of others. CENTCOM, for instance, wanted the Levant; EUCOM did not want to transfer it.
CENTCOM, NORTHCOM, SOUTHCOM, and STRATCOM opposed Americas Command, but PACOM
and SOCOM recommended further study during the review.67 The Services unanimously opposed
attempts to strengthen JFCOM’s role in concept development and experimentation (CDE) or make JFCOM
the CDE agent for the Services. The COCOMs and the Services also opposed JFCOM developing standards for Standing Joint Task Force Headquarters (STFHQ) or joint readiness standards in COCOMs.68
USELEMNORAD’s status in the UCP generated a lengthy debate. USELEMNORAD’s UCP
role made it responsible for the strategic aerospace defense of North America, assigned US forces tosupport NORAD’s mission, and provided a US-only chain of command for unilateral US aerospace
defense using forces assigned to support NORAD. Would NORTHCOM assume USELEMNORAD’s
responsibilities, forces, and tasks? The USNORTHCOM commander introduced the issue at a J-5
hosted Planners Conference in April 2003, evidently anticipating clarification of USELEMNORAD’s
responsibilities in light of USNORTHCOM’s creation. The advantage of eliminating USELEMNORAD

89

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

was a simplified command relationship, but did this benefit outweigh the adverse effect on Canadian
perceptions of the reduced importance of NORAD and the bi-lateral air defense mission?69
The NORTHCOM Commander, General Ralph E. Eberhart, USAF, disagreed, and in mid-Julyrecommended USELEMNORAD’s retention in the 2004 UCP, insisting that it was the key to NORAD’s
bi-national and USNORTHCOM’s unilateral operations. The Services and affected COCOMs, however,would either eliminate USELEMNORAD or move its mission and organization to NORTHCOM to
improve command relationships for unilateral homeland defense.70
CINCNORAD insisted, however, that USELEMNORAD was critical for operations such as NOBLE
EAGLE (air defense of the United States), including the integrated defense of the National Capitol
Region (NCR). General Eberhart recommended to the Chairman in mid-July that USELEMNORAD’srole remain unchanged.71
The matter was seemingly resolved on 4 December when the JCS concurred on assigning USELEMNORAD’s responsibilities to NORTHCOM and removing USELEMNORAD from the UCP. NORAD
continued to raise significant concerns about such a course of action.72 General Myers also had second
thoughts and, following the Chairman’s briefing, Secretary Rumsfeld agreed to postpone any decision pending additional information. After consulting with General Eberhart, General Myers supported retention of
USELEMNORAD and moving the unilateral air defense mission of the United States to NORTHCOM.73
By early 2004, the Services, COCOMs, and NATO executives had reached an “in principle” decision
to postpone discussion of an Americas Command, retain the current CENTCOM AOR (although CENTCOM requested further study of the issue), and rejected the following: a sub-unified Africa command, theassignment of Central Asia states to EUCOM, and a merger of CENTCOM and EUCOM. They approved
defining SOCOM’s role in operations against terrorists, removing USELEMNORAD as a headquarters element and assigning its responsibilities to NORTHCOM to support NORAD in coordination with STRATCOM (NORTHCOM wanted to remove the mission but not the organization), and clarifying JFCOM’s
coordination role in joint concept development and experimentation. They balked at giving JFCOM either
the authority to set STFHQ standards or to certify COCOM-assigned forces to JFCOM standards.74
Secretary Rumsfeld attended the mid-January 2004 UCP in-progress review to hear the JCS’ “inprinciple” recommendations. Among other issues, the Secretary directed the Deputy Assistant Secretaryof Defense for Strategy (DASD(S)) to draft a “UCP First Principles” study. He also requested further
information on SOCOM’s responsibility as PSYOP capability provider and a merger of NORTHCOM
and SOUTHCOM. In response, J-5 Policy recommended that IDA manage a study of Americas Command, similar to its role in the merger of STRATCOM and SPACECOM.75
The IDA participants were unanimous that no significant benefit would accrue from merging
NORTHCOM and SOUTHCOM and were unable to identify likely increases in mission effectivenessor efficiency. While minor manpower savings (perhaps 6-7 percent) could result from consolidating
the two headquarters at one location, no single location was appropriate for the combined missions ofa merged command. IDA recommended maintaining NORTHCOM and SOUTHCOM as separate
commands for homeland defense purposes, for defense in depth of the SOUTHCOM AOR, and for the
security cooperation mission. To deal with the geographical seam, a standing JTF responsive to bothcommands should be formed. After General Myers informed Secretary Rumsfeld of IDA’s conclusions,
the Secretary agreed not to pursue the merger.76
In March the DASD(S) submitted a draft proposal to assess the future integrated global command structure. The regional combatant commands were “Cold War relics” that did not fit the “new90

1999–2012

strategic circumstances” of terrorist or rogue state-driven crises that often superseded national orregional boundaries. This so-called first principles briefing offered various scenarios that envisageda sweeping reorganization and centralization of the COCOMs to achieve unity of command, unityof effort in interagency and combined operations, and unity of resource management. The net gain
would be improved integration of new technologies with new command organizations to expedite
cross-boundary operations and joint warfighting.77
Certain J-5 action officers resented OSD “meddling” in the internal COCOM command structure.
They saw the “First Principles” initiative as an attempt to reduce the number of COCOMs, questioned
several of its assumptions, but concluded that the OSD proposal had merit as a starting point to reconsider the UCP.78 Apparently swayed by Joint Staff arguments (and the Chairman’s desire to move quickly
on Change-1), the DASD(S) agreed to defer the initiative until the next UCP review.

SOCOM
After the 11 September 2001 attacks, Secretary Rumsfeld verbally and through memoranda assigned
SOCOM expanded responsibilities for the War on Terror (WOT). The ASD Special Operations/
Low Intensity Conflict (SO/LIC) favored inserting new language into the UCP that would delineate
SOCOM’s new authorities in the WOT vis-á-vis the COCOMs.79 In July 2003, Secretary Rumsfeld told
the newly nominated SOCOM commander that he would have greater responsibility and authority as
the supported commander in the global war on terror. SOCOM wanted the revised UCP to validate thecommand’s new lead roles in PYSOPS and the War on Terror. The PSYOPS matter was quickly resolved.
STRATCOM (DOD’s designated information operations lead in the 2002 UCP) agreed that SOCOM
should be responsible for “integrating and coordinating” DOD PSYOPS’ capabilities. The COCOMs,
however, insisted that SOCOM lacked expertise and capability to direct special operations within the
COCOM AORs. SOCOM’s WOT role was so contentious that SOCOM, the J5, the Services, and the
COCOMs finally submitted the issue to the JCS Tank for decision.80
In mid-January 2004 the JCS approved SOCOM’s preferred war on terror language (owing largely
to the support of Army Chief of Staff, General Peter J. Schoomaker, who had a special operations background). Nevertheless, the DUSD(I), Lieutenant General William G. Boykin, USA, (also an experienced
special operations specialist) and the new USD(I), Stephen Cambone, had reservations. They wanted
Secretary Rumsfeld’s assignment of specific WOT responsibilities to SOCOM codified in the UCP toinsure that the other combatant commanders understood SOCOM’s new authorities.81
The J-5 action officers believed that codifying authorities for a specific conflict would prevent
the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman, or the Combatant Commanders from recommending whatcommand relationships ought to be and reduce the flexibility of commands in the AORs to combat
terrorism. The Services (less the Army) and COCOMs non-concurred with the more specific language
revisions, but a follow-up JCS Tank session overrode their objections and endorsed most of the recommendations on 30 April. The JCS did retain the proviso that for matters of theater security cooperation
SOCOM would coordinate with the Geographic Combatant Commanders. The CJCS approved the
new language in late May 2004.82
The SOCOM Commander then insisted that the UCP state explicitly that SOCOM could synchronize Special Operations Forces in all geographic regions to fight the global war on terror, when
directed. Synchronize implied greater command authority for SOCOM when conducting war on terror

91

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

operations. PACOM and CENTCOM, concerned over insufficient coordination with the CombatantCommands over SOCOM’s war on terror language, refused to support the proposal. The geographic
commanders again questioned whether SOCOM had the expertise or capability to direct special operations in the respective COCOM areas without compromising local operations. The draft UCP assigned
SOCOM a coordinating role in the global war against terrorist organizations.83
On 13 September 2004 the Chairman sent the draft UCP 2004 to the Secretary of Defense who
in turn forwarded the revised document to the President on 10 January 2005.84 The interval, however,
witnessed a major change to the draft UCP. During a 17 September strategic review of the war on terror,
the SOCOM commander informed Secretary Rumsfeld that the UCP needed a specific statement thathe could synchronize (be directive) special operations in all COCOM AORs. The draft UCP language
only authorized him to coordinate, which he equated to allowing him to call meetings. The Secretary
agreed with SOCOM’s position.85
As a consequence, in early November a compromise between J-5 Policy Division and the ASD (SO/
LIC) changed “coordinating” to “synchronizing” but dropped language that made such activity specific to the war on terror. SOCOM accordingly became “the lead combatant commander for planning,
synchronizing, and as directed, executing global operations against terrorist networks in coordination
with other combatant commanders.”86
SOCOM’s synchronization role became the major change in the UCP 2004. SOCOM also
became the lead combatant commander for integrating and coordinating DOD PSYOP in supportof USSTRATCOM’s information operations mission. Other significant changes mandated that
all combatant commanders designate a Joint Task Force (JTF) within their headquarters and geographic combatant commanders establish and maintain Standing Joint Task Force Headquarters
core elements. JFCOM assumed responsibility for coordinating CDE, integration, joint doctrine,
collaborative development of joint training/readiness standards while TRANSCOM took control ofpatient movement, redeployment, and terminal management, and as Distribution Process Owner.
A realignment of the CENTCOM and the PACOM AORs placed the entire Seychelles Archipelago
within the CENTCOM AOR.87
The President approved the 2004 UCP on 1 March 2005 and on the 17th the Chairman distributed
the revised version to the Chiefs of Services, Commanders of Combatant Commands, and the Commander, USELEMNORAD.88

2004 UCP Change-1/UCP 2006: The Change-1 Proposal
By the time President Bush signed the 2004 UCP on 1 March 2005, J-5 Policy action officers werealready revising the document to make it more responsive to the evolving missions of the combatantcommanders. OSD staffers had raised issues during the 2004 UCP review that remained unresolved
such as the revision of the NORTHCOM/SOUTHCOM boundary, the transfer of Shemya Island in
the Aleutian chain to NORTHCOM’s AOR, USELEMNORAD’s status, and the addition of Global
Network Operations to the Information Operations (IO) mission.89 Joint Staff action officers and their
OSD counterparts in the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Strategy) (DASD(S)) office coordinated their reviews, but by that time the UCP process was running well behind schedule. In an effort toexpedite the 2004 UCP draft, the J-5 told OSD representatives that unresolved OSD concerns would be
included in a subsequent change to the approved 2004 UCP. As a result, in August 2004 the J-5 Deputy

92

1999–2012

Director for Strategy and Policy (DDS&P) and the DASD(S) had agreed to defer further review of OSD
comments until the preparation of the 2004 UCP Change-1.90
Approximately three weeks after the President signed the 2004 UCP, the J-5 Policy updated the
Chairman on its concept for Change-1, which included a revised STRATCOM role and addressed theissues raised by OSD.91 The minor changes, which were primarily administrative, aimed to limit newissues in order to hasten approval of Change-1 by mid-2005. It made little sense to grapple with majorchanges such as new combatant commands or the redefinition of responsibilities between a geographic
and functional combatant commander until the forthcoming 2005 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR)
and ongoing OSD initiatives to consolidate the COCOM command structure were completed.92
General Myers approved the J-5’s overall approach and on 4 April informed the Service Chiefs
and Combatant Commanders that the Joint Staff would begin its review of the next UCP in 2006 (bylaw the next UCP was due by January 2007). In the meantime, he directed the J-5 to address several
administrative changes to the 2004 UCP, including STRATCOM’s WMD role, the NORTHCOM/SOUTHCOM AOR boundary, and the alignment of UCP security cooperation/assistance languagewith DOD’s security cooperation guidance. The Chairman intended to move swiftly and submit
UCP 2004 Change-1 for approval by 31 July 2005. He requested the Services’ and COCOMs’ input
by 30 April.93
The Services, CENTCOM, and JFCOM raised no additional issues. EUCOM proposed renaming
USEUCOM to USEASTCOM and USPACOM to USWESTCOM, or at least renaming USEUCOM the
United States Europe-Africa Command (USEURAFCOM). The Commander NORTHCOM wanted
modification of the USELEMNORAD language to clarify the lines of responsibility between the twocommands. At present, NORTHCOM had the mission—but not the forces; USELEMNORAD had theforces—but not the mission. USSOUTHCOM desired clarification or revision of the NORTHCOM/SOUTHCOM AOR boundary. NORTHCOM and PACOM agreed to extend NORTHCOM’s AOR
boundary westward to encompass all of the Aleutian Islands. Their agreement in turn satisfied OSD’srequest that Shemya be moved to NORTHCOM’s AOR.94
SOCOM sought to become the primary force provider for Special Operations Forces while TRANSCOM recommended modification of the joint distribution process and a review of strategic mobility
for joint forces’ planning purposes. STRATCOM would incorporate its new, Secretary of Defenseauthorized mission of combating WMDs; the command also wanted to add network warfare and global
network operations to its global missions. STRATCOM’s initiative to become the primary joint forces
provider for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), however, impinged on JFCOM’s
responsibilities. The J-5 opposed STRATCOM’s ISR proposal and expressed doubts that TRANSCOM’s
strategic mobility issue could be resolved without a prior decision on C-17 transport basing, but otherwise they supported the recommendations.95
OSD’s priority for Change-1 was to revise and update the current UCP language governing security
assistance and security cooperation to link it directly to the Secretary’s Security Cooperation Guidance.
The J-5 Policy Division found this connection inappropriate because the UCP intentionally avoided
categorical reference to other strategic documents. The J-5 Policy initially expected that following the
OPSDEPS and JCS Tank sessions the Chairman would be able to send a finalized Change-1 draft to theSecretary of Defense. Presidential approval was anticipated by mid-October.96
By mid-July, coordination with General and Flag Officers was well underway, and the J-5 hadscheduled an OPSDEPS and JCS Tank meeting for early August. The most controversial issues were93

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

STRATCOM’s responsibilities for combating WMDs and conducting IO and TRANSCOM’s proposed
modifications to the Distribution Process Owner (DPO) authorities. In other respects the J-5 Policy
review, as originally proposed, was administrative and designed to clarify responsibilities, eliminate
redundancies, and make the UCP document easier to understand.97
By mid-August the JCS Tank had approved all issues with the exception of TRANSCOM’s request
for modified DPO language, which, the command argued, was necessary to dispel COCOM perceptions of limited TRANSCOM authority within the distribution system. NORTHCOM would have
responsibility for the entire Aleutian chain, including Shemya, while Cuba, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico,and the US Virgin Islands would be reassigned to SOUTHCOM. The Chiefs concurred with Joint Force
Provider authority granted to SOCOM and TRANSCOM, clarified the USELEMNORAD language,
approved STRATCOM assuming the DOD global operations mission, and added responsibilities forcombating WMDs to STRATCOM, geographic combatant commands, and NORTHCOM. TRANSCOM was requested to present its recommendations via the Tank.98
Since mid-June, J-5 Policy action officers had coordinated Change-1 with their OSD counterparts.99
The Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Policy)’s office (OSD (Policy)), however, failed to meeta July deadline to submit comments. This meant in turn that the J-5 could not incorporate OSD’s remarks
from five Assistant Secretaries in time for either the August OPSDEPs or the JCS Tank meetings. Instead
J-5 Policy found itself with a handful of OSD (Policy) recommendations that contradicted Tank-approved
positions and would either require time-consuming re-staffing or were inappropriate for the UCP. J-5
Policy lamented that “OSD typically cannot react to a normal Joint Staff suspense of two weeks. . . .”100
Two administrative factors further hindered the UCP 2004 Change-1 momentum. First, theChairman preferred OSD comments on major documents before he dispatched a finalized version
to the Secretary of Defense. The Under Secretaries of Defense, however, did not want to review draft
documents and insisted on a final copy that had been fully staffed with the Services and the Combatant Commanders.101 Second, the Joint Staff normally coordinated UCP matters directly with Service
Secretariat staffs, not the Secretariat. The OSD Legal Counsel expressed concern that the Secretariats
were left out of the process, leading the Joint Staff to recommend to the DJ-5 that the Secretariats be
included in the review via their staffs.102
On 11 December, General Peter Pace, USMC, the recently appointed Chairman of the Joint Chiefsof Staff, reviewed the recommended changes. The draft document would realign NORTHCOM,SOUTHCOM, and PACOM AORs, confirm STRATCOM’s WMD mission as well as assign the command the responsibility for DOD’s global network operations, clarify USELEMNORAD’s role vis-á-vis
NORTHCOM, assign SOCOM and TRANSCOM joint force provider responsibilities, and modify
TRANSCOM’s responsibility as Distribution Process Owner assigned in the 2004 UCP.103 The next
day General Pace sent the finalized 2004 UCP Change-1 to Secretary Rumsfeld.
The Secretary likely awaited the imminent results of the Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) before
addressing the UCP issues, and the draft Change-1 remained in his office through early February 2006
when the QDR results were announced. The QDR’s major lessons, according to the document, focusedon the requirements for prolonged, irregular conflict, wider irregular operations across the globe, andhumanitarian actions.104 To address these issues, on 6 February 2006, Secretary Rumsfeld asked General
Pace for his ideas about SOCOM’s role as a more “global warfighter,” cyberspace roles and missions, alead COCOM for humanitarian missions, requirements for standing joint task forces, and a sub-unified
or specified command for Africa.105

94

1999–2012

EUCOM, PACOM, SOUTHCOM, JFCOM, the Joint Staff and the J-8 opposed greater emphasis on
SOCOM’s role or priority for SOCOM’s requirements. All Services and COCOMs agreed that further
study of the cyberspace issue, including a national level study, was essential to develop a national military
strategic plan to secure cyberspace. J-5 Policy recommended that JFCOM assume the humanitarian
mission lead. The Services and COCOMs, except for JFCOM, concurred. JFCOM insisted that each
COCOM should have a core element to augment the designated Joint Forces Headquarters during
relief operations. Neither EUCOM nor CENTCOM agreed with the J-5’s recommendation to establish
a three-star sub-unified command in Africa, reporting to the Commander, USEUCOM. EUCOM did
not want the extra responsibilities added to its deputy commander’s tasks while CENTCOM wanted the
AFRICOM commander to report to both EUCOM and CENTCOM thereby eliminating the existing“seam” or boundary between COCOMs. EUCOM, CENTCOM, SOUTHCOM, and PACOM wanted
more time to consider the initiative and thought it more appropriate for the next UCP iteration.106
Meanwhile, J-5 Policy’s briefing on the 2004 UCP Change-1 for Secretary Rumsfeld recommended,with General Myers’ approval, renaming 2004 UCP Change-1 to UCP 2006. There would be no change
to the document’s contents (except for a revised date). The proposed name change allowed the Joint
Staff to meet the two-year statutory requirement for the Chairman to review the UCP yet not delay thenext UCP review. Contrary to J-5 expectations, the Secretary also wanted to discuss possible issues forthe next UCP review, which would start sometime in 2006.107
During the 4 April briefing for Secretary Rumsfeld, the J-5 explained the reason for the namechange and presented the identical UCP recommendations that General Pace had submitted the previous December. Participants also discussed various scenarios for AOR boundary adjustments suchas transferring Kazakhstan to EUCOM, Diego Garcia to CENTCOM, Madagascar, the Comoros, theSeychelles, and the Horn of Africa to EUCOM as well as organizational adjustments, chief among thema new command for Africa. Possible future functional issues involved interagency cooperation andcoordination as well as responsibilities for humanitarian response to a pandemic outbreak.108
The Secretary approved placing the entire Aleutian chain in the NORTHCOM AOR; endorsed
the NORTHCOM/SOUTHCOM boundary change; agreed to modified language for SOCOM andTRANSCOM as joint force providers; authorized STRATCOM’s lead to combat WMDs and its new
global network operations; and provided NORTHCOM authority to employ USELEMNORAD forces
for non-NORAD unilateral missions. He requested additional information on TRANSCOM’s unique
responsibilities as the DPO.109
As for the next UCP, Mr. Rumsfeld agreed with these recommendations: to emphasize SOCOM’srole as a global warfighter; to have STRATCOM coordinate policies and operational concepts forcyberspace missions, identify requirements DOD-wide and to integrate network management, security,and dissemination into a core operational capability; and to consider JFCOM as the designated leadcombatant command for humanitarian operations. The Secretary also approved a sub-unified command for Africa as a four-star billet, vice the three-star position recommended by the J-5.110 Satisfied
with the briefing, the Secretary requested the revised version of UCP 2006 that incorporated his minorchanges for final signature by 7 April. He instructed the Under Secretary for Acquisition, Technology
and Logistics (USD (ATL)) and the OSD Director of Program Analysis & Evaluation (PA&E) to coordinate the change in TRANSCOM responsibilities with the USTRANSCOM Commander.111
On 7 April, the USD (ATL), PA&E, and CINC TRANSCOM agreed to change the proposed
language making the Distribution Process Owner responsible for “coordinating and supervising”

95History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

was changed to read “coordinating and overseeing” the DOD distribution system.112 Four days later,
General Pace forwarded the change along with the updated UCP package to Secretary Rumsfeld. The
approved UCP 2006 was, with minor changes, the 2004 UCP Change-1 document that the Chairman
had endorsed the previous December.113
Secretary Rumsfeld sent the draft UCP 2006 to the White House on 12 April. To stimulate additional “creative thinking,” he requested Eric Edelman, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, to workwith General Pace to initiate a full re-write of the UCP 2006 to incorporate the topics identified as
potential issues for the next UCP. He also asked for “new models” for the UCP by 7 June, a theme reminiscent of the “first principles” scenarios developed for the 2004 UCP.114 The Secretary’s suspense for the“new models” was later extended until mid-July and marked the beginning of work on the next UCP.115
On 5 May, the President approved Unified Command Plan 2006, which became effective that day.
On 31 May, the Chairman, noting its major changes, distributed copies of the UCP 2006 to the Chiefsof Services, Commanders of Combatant Commands, and the Commander, US Element, NORAD.116

The 2008 UCPSecretary of Defense Rumsfeld’s guidance during the final approval process for the 2006 UCP set theagenda for the 2008 UCP. Among unfinished UCP 2006 items were: resolution of AOR boundary shifts;
a rewritten, more “user-friendly” UCP; SOCOM’s synchronization role; and coordination across UCP
seams. Major new initiatives included examination of emerging areas of interests such as cyberspaceand missile defense, humanitarian assistance missions, responses to pandemic diseases, and a newcommand responsible for Africa.
Some of the so-called new initiatives like AFRICOM had been under consideration for several years.
Discussion about the DOD role in cyberspace dated from February 2003 when the President signed the
National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace. There was, however, no linkage of national strategy, militarycapabilities, and operational means to secure cyberspace. The 2004 UCP had assigned STRATCOM
cyberspace integration and coordination roles and split C4ISR responsibilities between STRATCOM
and JFCOM. Consequently on 4 February 2004, the Joint Staff created a strategic planning cell to
produce a national military strategy for cyberspace within six months for the Secretary’s approval.117
SOCOM continued to seek additional Global War on Terror (GWOT) authorities by defining “synchronize” more expansively in the UCP document.118
The Services and a majority of COCOMs wanted to review all Africa command options in the next
UCP. CENTCOM, EUCOM, and SOUTHCOM did not: CENTCOM and EUCOM because an Africa
command would impinge on their command responsibilities and missions. All endorsed the Joint Staff’s
cyber-strategy cell study but split regarding SOCOM’s GWOT role. CENTCOM, EUCOM, and PACOM
opposed giving SOCOM special status while JFCOM and SOUTHCOM believed that expanded SOCOM
authorities would interfere within COCOMs’ AORs. The consensus would retain the status quo arrangement for SOCOM.119 The Services favored consolidation of Humanitarian/Disaster Relief operations andwanted JFCOM to take the lead in the effort. JFCOM, however, argued that no single COCOM should leadhumanitarian missions. Instead, SJTFHs could augment Joint Task Force Headquarters as necessary.120
The J-5 Vice-Director recommended to Secretary Rumsfeld an incremental approach to Africa,
by establishing a three-star commander, reporting to CDRUSEUCOM, and a small interagency staff
located in Ethiopia.121

96

1999–2012

In mid-March, NORAD raised several issues for consideration in the next UCP review. Amongthem were the resolution of the Virgin Islands/Puerto Rico and the Florida Straits air defense responsibilities among SOUTHCOM, NORTHCOM, and NORAD and a precise delineation of STRATCOM
and NORAD roles and missions for cruise missile defense (CMD) and ballistic missile defense (BMD).122
Secretary Rumsfeld incorporated these concepts in his April injunction for a full rewrite of the
UCP by early June (a deadline later extended). J-5 would prepare the “new models” the Secretary
requested and develop three major items (humanitarian operations, Kazakhstan, and Africa) in the
UCP rewrite.123 Given limited resources and OSD mandated headquarters’ reductions, a natural question became a budget to underwrite the AFRICOM mission, personnel, infrastructure, and associatedrequirements. Span of control issues reappeared when EUCOM noted that the proposed Africa command was presently composed of 53 countries divided among three unified commanders.124
In early June, General Pace issued guidance on UCP options. The subsequent J-5 “new models”
briefing addressed 21st century challenges such as the GWOT, missile defense, stability operations,humanitarian relief, and pandemic response. It also identified four alternative command structures: 1)
retain the status quo because of a good span of control and proven success; 2) create three geographic
COCOMs (the Americas, Europe/Africa, and East Asia) with operationally focused JTF’s and fourfunctional combat commands. This configuration reduced seams between COCOMs but the resulting
larger span of control and questions of unity of command needed further study. Option 3 would switch
to functional combatant commanders along joint operating concepts such as GWOT, homeland security, combat and stability operations, and strategic deterrence. Option 4 combined Forces Commands
with operationally focused CJTFs in key regions to provide regional orientation and reduce seams.
Options 3 and 4 raised questions about unity of command and the overall benefit to national security.
The Chairman approved a J-5 briefing for Secretary Rumsfeld for mid-July to obtain the Secretary’s
guidance on which options merited further study.125
The 10 July UCP-next briefing to the JCS was well received and only minor changes suggested. The
Chiefs recommended pursuing both geographic COCOM and sub-unified command options for Africa but
warned against adding a sub-unified AFRICOM and Central Asia to EUCOM’s already full load. They tabled
one study to expand SOCOM options and endorsed another for a functional COCOM for cyber warfare.126
The J-5 DDS&P briefing to Secretary Rumsfeld on 19 July recommended further study of a functional cyber command, responses to pandemic diseases, regional stability operations, and improved
interagency coordination. It proposed a transfer of Kazakhstan or all Central Asian states to EUCOM
or their retention in CENTCOM, and a separate or a sub-unified AFRICOM. They were satisfied withthe status quo for SOCOM, seeing no need to expand the command’s authorities.127
Secretary Rumsfeld in turn directed EUCOM, in coordination with the Joint Staff, CENTCOM,
and PACOM, to develop an implementation plan by 15 September to establish a Geographic Combatant Command for Africa (USAFRICOM) with a four-star commander. The COCOMs and Services
were to study options to counter pandemic influenza, provide military support in stability operations,strengthen interagency cooperation, create a sub-unified cyber command, specify “mutual interest”
states with shared responsibilities, and possibly move Central Asian states to EUCOM. There would be
no changes to SOCOM. The Joint Staff anticipated presenting the COCOM and Service recommendations to the Secretary in early October.128
NORTHCOM sought responsibility in the UCP as the lead COCOM to respond to pandemic influenza outbreaks and, pending fuller detail, supported a sub-unified cyber command under STRATCOM.

97

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

The STRATCOM commander, however, saw little gain in such an arrangement. NORTHCOM also
wanted to clarify STRATCOM’s role in ballistic and cruise missile defense, a topic not covered in thecurrent UCP.129 SOUTHCOM recommended NORTHCOM for the pandemic influenza responsibility, concurred with the sub-unified cyber command concept provided additional resources became
available, and suggested that clarification of its shared responsibility with NORTHCOM for Mexico
might serve as a “mutual interest test case.”130 CENTCOM agreed with the pandemic influenza andcyber command initiatives but insisted that the Geographic Combatant Commands have the authority
to address idiosyncrasies in their respective AORs. CENTCOM opposed the “mutual interest” statesmodel, arguing that seam issues were already being addressed and shared responsibilities were counterintuitive to a clear chain of command. EUCOM approved moving five Central Asian states from the
CENTCOM AOR to the EUCOM’s AOR; CENTCOM opposed it citing the key roles of the five statesin CENTCOM’s ongoing operations in Afghanistan.131 Army and Marine planners recommended that
the Central Asian states remain in CENTCOM’s AOR.132
The Air Force, EUCOM, PACOM, and JFCOM saw no need to include pandemic influenza planningin the UCP because the JSCP already tasked the requirement. The Army and Navy believed that the UCP
sufficiently addressed humanitarian assistance and stability operations, which EUCOM allowed werealready within the GCC’s span of operations. The Navy and Air Force opposed the concept of “mutualinterest states,” and among the COCOMs only SOUTHCOM endorsed the idea. The Air Force regarded
a sub-unified cyber command as below the level of the UCP and questioned resourcing a new command. The other Services asked for further study. CENTCOM, EUCOM, PACOM, and SOUTHCOM
endorsed a sub-unified cyber command, but STRATCOM, the proposed reporting command, opposed
the initiative because it added another layer of command whose costs would outweigh any benefits.133
Being the most affected COCOM, EUCOM addressed the AFRICOM initiative separately andrecommended a phased approach to establish an interim sub-unified command in Europe. The newunified command headquarters would subsequently be placed in Africa. EUCOM favored a unified
African continent under one unified commander, although this entailed removing the Horn of Africa
from CENTCOM’s AOR. CENTCOM objected. The DASD (Africa) had previously proposed such atransfer for unity of purpose and command, noting that CENTCOM’s focus was on Iraq and Afghanistan, not the Horn of Africa.134
On 28 September, a National Security Presidential Directive outlined a strategy that would
strengthen strategic partnerships, consolidate democratic transitions, and bolster fragile states in subSaharan Africa. Although the approach emphasized regional peacekeeping and economic partnerships,
as well as humanitarian and developmental assistance, the underlying goal was to blunt the spread ofIslamic radicalism and terrorism throughout Africa.135
In line with the new directive, the J-5 agreed with EUCOM’s phased approach and ultimate result
but wanted the Horn of Africa to remain initially in CENTCOM to avoid disrupting the global war on
terror.136 Following a 13 October briefing via secure video teleconference (SVTC) by the Deputy EUCOM
Commander, Secretary Rumsfeld agreed that AFRICOM should begin as a sub-unified command
under EUCOM. Once AFRICOM achieved full operating capability, however, the command would
encompass the entire African continent.137
An interim planning team consisting of OSD and Joint Staff members aimed to achieve AFRICOM’s
initial operating capability by June 2007 and its full capability by June 2008. Secretary Rumsfeld insisted
that EUCOM be reduced in size and reorganized to fit the new AFRICOM arrangement, a point he98

1999–2012

reiterated when approving future action and terms of reference for AFRICOM. On 7 November, theSecretary issued terms of reference and directed the immediate stand-up of an implementation planningteam, headed by a rear admiral, to prepare options, a plan of action, and a schedule for the activationof AFRICOM.138
That same day the Democratic Party captured a majority of House and Senate seats in the off-year2006 elections. At a news conference the following day, President Bush acknowledged that voter displeasure over the lack of progress in Iraq contributed to the Republican defeat and announced Secretary
Rumsfeld’s resignation as Secretary of Defense. Robert M. Gates would replace Secretary Rumsfeld,
who would stay on during the transition.139
Secretary Rumsfeld had previously directed the DJ-5 to incorporate an AFRICOM commandin the revised UCP 2006 by 11 December. J-5 action officers drafted Change-1 to UCP 2006, making
AFRICOM a sub-unified command by October 2007 that would transition to a unified command in
October 2008. This was done to allow UCP participants the time they needed to resolve the numerous
and interrelated changes to responsibilities, missions, and geographic boundaries involved in establishing a new unified command.140
The J-5 Policy’s coordination with the Services, COCOMs, and JCS Tank gained a favorable generalconsensus, and on 4 December the DJ-5 briefed the Secretary on the UCP 2006 Change-1 initiatives. The
Services, less the Army, and the COCOMs, less CENTCOM, endorsed a sub-unified/unified AFRICOM.
The J-5 Policy wanted to delay AFRICOM’s establishment until specific responsibilities and AORs forthe new unified command had been vetted with the Services and COCOMs.141
At a 5 December in-progress review, Secretary Rumsfeld directed the AFRICOM implementation
planning team to recommend the best way for a unified Africa command to achieve full operating
capability in FY 2008. Two days later the Secretary requested the President approve DOD’s establishmentof a Unified Combatant Command for Africa to achieve full operating capability in FY 2008.142 The
President’s classified 15 December memorandum simply approved the establishment of an AFRICOM
not later than 30 September 2008 (the end of the fiscal year).143
Secretary Rumsfeld departed office on 18 December. The next day the DASD (Africa) briefed the
NSC Deputies Committee on AFRICOM’s status. The same day the implementation planning teamdelivered its executive report that, among other things, described missions, AORs, resources, and location of AFRICOM as well as a five-phase plan to establish the new command.144 On 10 January 2007,
OSD (Policy) updated Secretary Gates on AFRICOM developments, including costs, and General Pace
requested the Secretary’s authorization to establish a transition team in Germany that would become
the core of the USAFRICOM’s headquarters staff. Secretary Gates approved on 12 January. He further
directed the Chairman to coordinate with the Services and COCOMs to assign military personnel tothe transition team by 1 February and authorized consultations with Congress and other appropriate
members of the US Government, along with key allies and partners, before any public announcementof the establishment of AFRICOM.145
EUCOM saw an initial sub-unified command as a natural progression to a unified command, but
OSD (Africa) thought a sub-unified command was unnecessary and might retard the establishmentof a unified command. Establishing a unified command would demonstrate the US commitment toAfrica, give it more prestige, and place AFRICOM on an equal status with other COCOMs when competing for resources. A sub-unified command involved a less risky, incremental approach that allowed
AFRICOM to draw on EUCOM’s resources. It would, however, result in lowered prestige and reduced
99

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

expectations. Rear Admiral Robert T. Moeller, who led the transition team, recommended a unified
command, and noted that without a decision from senior leaders the transition team could neither
establish proper relationships with other COCOMs nor determine resources.146
During open testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee on 6 February, Secretary
Gates announced the establishment of AFRICOM, and the President issued a formal announcementof the new command the same day.147 About a month later, on 9 March, the Chairman recommended
that AFRICOM be established initially as a sub-unified command under EUCOM and then develop to
full unified command. OSD(P)’s non-concurrence delayed coordinated guidance to the transition team
until 4 April when Secretary Gates approved the Chairman’s recommendations.148 In mid-April an interagency delegation consulted with various African officials about a possible location for AFRICOM andconcluded that regional sensitivities and security concerns militated against a headquarters in Africa.149
Besides the AFRICOM decisions, the J-5 Policy dealt with issues identified by the combatant commanders, such as clarification of ballistic missile defense and cyberspace responsibility. There were also
several pending administrative changes, initiated by former Secretary Rumsfeld, such as NORTHCOM’srole in a pandemic influenza response, combatant commanders’ responsibility for stability, security,transition, and reconstruction (SSTR) operations, and JFCOM’s role in transformation.150 In mid-August
2007 the outgoing Chairman, General Pace, notified the Service Chiefs and Combatant Commanders
that he expected the UCP review to be complete by February 2008. To meet the deadline, the Chairman asked that they respond by 31 August 2007 to allow the J-5 to provide participants a final draftby the end of November.151 The J-5 Strategic Policy aimed to have the UCP signed in February 2008.
The effective date would be 30 September 2008 to coincide with AFRICOM’s transition to a combatantcommand. Contrary to expectations, the UCP 2008 review took eleven months.
In early August 2007 Secretary Gates, at the request of the NORTHCOM and SOUTHCOM
commanders, had assigned NORTHCOM the responsibility for DOD’s natural disaster response in
the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico (VIPR). He directed their question of a permanent transfer of
all responsibilities be addressed during the UCP review.152 Following coordination with the Joint Staff
J-5, the two commands requested approval of the transfer of all responsibilities for the VIPR AOR to
NORTHCOM. J-5 Policy judged that such action was beyond the Secretary’s authority and requiredpresidential approval. The DASD for Policy Planning agreed that, without a compelling justification
for the shift, the transfer should be treated in the UCP and not go separately to the White House. Aftera discussion with the J-5, SOUTHCOM requested that the next UCP implement the desired changes.153
Cyberspace was a developing mission that the UCP did not address. The 2006 UCP gave STRATCOM the responsibility to integrate and coordinate the DOD’s information operations, which included
computer network attack and defense. One of Secretary Rumsfeld’s “bold initiatives” was the creationof a cyber-command, and in early February 2006 the Joint Staff established a planning cell to produce anational military strategy for cyberspace within six months. The study was not completed until December
2006 at which time the scope of cyberspace operations was still under review. Consequently, J-5 Policy
had dropped the sub-unified cyber-command concept and replaced it with a proposal to assign geographic combatant commanders responsibility for conducting cyberspace operations in their AORs.154
STRATCOM claimed that such a policy disrupted current STRATCOM missions and ineffectively
partitioned responsibilities that could not be relegated to a specific AOR. The other COCOMs and theServices were lukewarm, observing the authorities already existed, the effort was premature withouta national military strategy for cyberspace, and more details were needed before they could make any

1001999–2012

decisions. On 2 October, Secretary Gates directed immediate action to implement a four-star subunified cyber command. In November the new Chairman, Admiral Michael Mullen, who took officeon 1 October 2007, directed STRATCOM to take the lead for cyberspace.155
The Joint Staff J-6 suspected that STRATCOM might take advantage of new authority to impose
its views of cyberspace on the DOD community.156 After lengthy discussions, by mid-June 2008, four
options had emerged: 1) to revert to the UCP 2006 language; 2) to accept STRATCOM’s proposal toidentify specifically its lead role in cyberspace planning and operations; 3) to approve the Joint Staff
J-5’s more restrictive recommendation that STRATCOM operations, as directed, be coordinated with
the COCOMs and other appropriate government agencies; and 4) to endorse a second J-5 version thatgave STRATCOM more latitude over the Geographic Combatant Commanders in cyberspace andinformation operations. The OPSDEPs preferred option 1, believing it premature to assign the mission
until ongoing studies were completed. The Services agreed, less the Air Force which supported option
4. PACOM and CENTCOM favored option 1 because it allowed GCC’s to conduct cyberspace operations. The other COCOMs and the functional commands would expand STRATCOM’s cyberspace
responsibilities in the UCP. The Joint Staff recommended option 3.
By late November the Services and COCOMs had submitted their comments on 26 UCP issues
recommended by the J-5 and raised additional subjects for consideration. During the next several
months a series of OPSDEPs and JCS Tank sessions adjudicated differences, sponsors added or deleted
items for deliberation, and the Services and COCOMs gradually reached common ground on J-5’s
proposed UCP 2008 language.157
Four major issues remained: 1) the AFRICOM mission statement; 2) alternate missile defense
execution as part of STRATCOM’s UCP responsibilities; 3) cyberspace as a new STRATCOM
responsibility; and 4) the synchronization role as it related to SOCOM’s GWOT responsibilities. The
OPSDEPs wanted explicit language describing AFRICOM’s humanitarian focus, but the command
did not.158
In mid-January 2008, OSD and JFCOM hosted an AFRICOM conference to address the AFRICOM
mission statement. The State Department, USAID, and the J-5 action officers favored the EUCOM
commander’s version which “implied” the full range of AFRICOM’s mission. DASD (Africa) preferredmore specific language. In mid-April, OSD(P), the Joint Staff, and AFRICOM Commander agreed toinsert a clause stating AFRICOM would conduct its mission “in concert with US Government civilian
agencies and international partners,” making explicit the interagency nature of the command. Secretary
Gates approved the revision on 16 May.159
The missile defense issue involved delineating the roles of STRATCOM/NORTHCOM in ballistic
missile defense of the United States. The COCOMs, less STRATCOM and JFCOM, and the Services,less the Air Force, wanted to await the outcome of pending studies before amending the UCP to give
STRATCOM additional missile defense duties. A solution was assigning STRATCOM responsibility
for “synchronizing global missile defense planning.”160
The term “synchronizing” had been added to the UCP in 2004 and since then remained a contentious issue. The current 2006 UCP used the term in reference to STRATCOM’s role in combating weapons of mass destruction (WMD), SOCOM’s role in global operations against terrorist networks, andTRANSCOM’s role as the Distribution Process Owner. But each role was different, and NORTHCOM’s
proposed new role in leading pandemic influenza response would give it synchronizing authority forplanning purposes.

101

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

The Joint Staff offered three options: use the current UCP 2006 language; accept the current 2008
draft that eliminated all but one use of the word “synchronizing”; or reinsert “synchronizing” into the2008 draft, but only in reference to “planning.” SOCOM strongly opposed the elimination of the word
“synchronizing,” believing that it diminished SOCOM’s authority in global operations against terrorist
networks. SOCOM wanted to revert to the 2006 UCP language, but the other COCOMs favored the2008 draft that limited SOCOM’s authority. The Services, however, endorsed the 2006 UCP, which had
expanded SOCOM’s authority.161
By late May 2008, thirteen OPSDEPs and JCS Tank sessions had adjudicated 43 issues, but synchronization, global missile defense, and cyberspace matters remained unresolved.162 In late June, the Joint
Chiefs decided those three outstanding issues by approving the J-5 draft UCP 2008 language.163 The new
language defined “synchronization planning” as specifically pertinent to planning efforts and implied
no authority to execute or direct the execution of operations. The definition was based on SOCOM’s
language and applied to NORTHCOM’S pandemic influenza role and STRATCOM’S following global
missions: 1) combating weapons of mass destruction; 2) global missile defense; and 3) cyberspace.164
By August 2008 a reformatted UCP text, organized by COCOMs, would establish AFRICOM,
realign VIPR responsibilities, assign the Pandemic Influenza mission to NORTHCOM, give the cyberspace mission to STRATCOM, define “synchronizing planning” terminology, address areas of sharedinterest, and make all Combat Commanders responsible to plan and conduct military support for SSTR
operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.165
Although the draft 2008 UCP codified AFRICOM’s missions, responsibilities, and AOR, it did nottransfer execution authorities or authorize operational control (OPCON) of forces assigned to other
COCOMs. To remedy this shortcoming, on 8 September 2008 Admiral Mullen notified the COCOMs
and Services that beginning no earlier than 1 October the Commander, AFRICOM, would assume
execution authorities and forces from CENTCOM, EUCOM, and PACOM. On 30 September Secretary
Gates officially established USAFRICOM as a unified combatant command effective 1 October anddelineated its geographic AOR. This was necessary to fill the gap between the command reaching fulloperational capability and the President’s signature of the 2008 UCP. The Secretary’s memorandum
remained in effect until the President signed the 2008 UCP.166
On 2 October, the Chairman submitted the draft 2008 UCP to the Secretary who in turn forwarded
it to the President for signature on 3 October. In mid-December the President signed the UCP 2008, andon 23 December the Chairman distributed the document to the Service Chiefs, COCOM commanders,
and the Commander, US Element, NORAD.167
OSD was responsible for shaping the UCP 2008. Revision of the UCP text, AFRICOM, areas ofshared interest, SSTR operations, pandemic oversight, and cyberspace initiatives all originated in
Secretary Rumsfeld’s office. NORTHCOM and SOUTHCOM developed their AOR realignment, butotherwise there were few COCOM initiatives that survived the UCP vetting process. (NORTHCOM,
PACOM, and JFCOM initiatives also.) The COCOMs sought to preserve their AORs and authorities.
The Services tended toward parochialism. As part of its coordination role, the Joint Staff protected CJCS
authorities and resolved the synchronization issue.
Looking back it was an eventful six-year span for the UCP. New COCOMs—NORTHCOM and
AFRICOM—emerged; SPACECOM merged with STRATCOM to form a “new” STRATCOM. Yet
radical organizational changes did not occur. Despite OSD’s push for consolidation, mega-commands
did not materialize. The existing COCOM structure remained intact and recognizable. Nevertheless,1021999–2012

the Secretary of Defense defined the direction of the UCP process through numerous OSD initiatives
and occasionally by unilateral action such as moving Syria and Lebanon to CENTCOM’s AOR. The
post 9-11 era witnessed SOCOM’s steady rise under the patronage of the Secretary of Defense and OSD.
The other COCOMs’ resistance to SOCOM’s increased authorities reflected their tendency to protect
respective AORs and responsibilities. New contingencies demanded new responses and besides the
COCOM reorganizations, the UCP reflected initiatives for cyberspace, global missile defense, pandemic
influenza, security assistance, and humanitarian operations.

The 2011 UCP and Change-1
The 2008 UCP process commenced in July 2007 and concluded in December 2008. The eighteen-monthreview had included fourteen OPSDEPs and JCS decision Tank meetings, six formal rounds of generaland flag officer coordination, as well as formal and informal coordination with OSD.168 In an effort
to streamline, better coordinate, and accelerate the UCP process, the J-5 Deputy Director, Strategy& Policy (DDS&P) action officers proposed a new approach for the 2010 UCP. It relied on information technology (IT) and conferences organized around commonly agreed upon “business rules” topromote transparency and collaboration. These procedures would break down “stove pipes” (isolating
information internally separate from the overall process) and enable globally dispersed stake holders(contributors with vital interests affected by UCP decisions) to join an ongoing, multi-participant, realtime exchange of information.169
Based on this new methodology, in August 2009 DDS&P action officers developed a five-phase
outline. Phase one, actually in progress since the completion of the current UCP in December 2008,
identified senior leaders’ guidance and the principles for the 2010 review. Phase two (September
2009-January 2010) relied on web-based Issue Development Papers (IDP) to provide transparent andaccountable exchanges among participants, which, in turn, would determine the issues for the 2010
review. Next, in phase three (February 2010), a Pentagon conference would enable COCOM and Service planners, communicating via IT directly and in real time with their respective commanders ordirectors, to incorporate agreed-upon language for the draft UCP, record recommendations, and refine
unresolved matters. Phase four (March–May 2010) would adjudicate a final draft UCP, beginning with
DDS&P, continuing sequentially through the DJ-5, an OPSDEP Tank (if so referred by DJ-5), and a
CJCS/JCS Tank decision. Phase five would commence when the Chairman sent the draft 2010 UCP to
all four-star officers via e-mail with a two-week suspense. OSD and NSC coordination would follow
in July and August, respectively. Presidential approval was anticipated by September.170 The DDS&P
planners’ overall intent was to impose commonality, discipline, and timeliness on a process that had
grown increasingly idiosyncratic, unresponsive, and tardy.
In early September, following approval of the business rules at the action officers’ UCP initial planning conference, the Joint Staff requested the COCOMs’ and the Services’ representatives to provide
their UCP recommendations by 31 October. On 25 September, the Chairman notified the COCOM
Commanders and the Service Chiefs that the UCP review was underway and endorsed the businessrules, which, he believed, would facilitate rigorous assessment of issues, incorporate Web-based information exchange, and improve adjudication at the appropriate level.171
The COCOMs submitted 53 IDPs. Among the more contentious was AFRICOM’s proposal to alter
several maritime boundaries, which conflicted with EUCOM and CENTCOM positions, particularly103

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

CENTCOM’s proposal to transfer the Seychelles to its AOR. Other IDPs dealt with internal commandspecific issues such as EUCOM’s advocacy of dual-hatting the Commander, EUCOM, as the SACEUR
or PACOM’s proposal to drop references to the Senior US Military Officer Assigned to Korea (SUSMOAK). JFCOM sought clarification of UCP language to reflect its evolving responsibilities. NORTHCOM endorsed force health protection issues and, like JFCOM, clarity of its missions. NORTHCOM
also suggested reorganized COCOM responsibilities for the Arctic Region to improve command andcontrol. PACOM wanted resolution of STRATCOM forces in its AOR and security and force protection
responsibilities in the geographic combatant commanders’ AORs. SOCOM continued to champion
integration and interoperability with general purpose forces and new language to define proponency
for Security Force Assistance matters. SOUTHCOM recommended that Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala
be designated mutual interest states, and STRATCOM sought responsibility for synchronized domestic
and allied cyberspace operations. TRANSCOM proposed a formalization of the distribution process
by synchronizing planning for global distribution operations in coordination with the combatant commands.172 In short, COCOMs advanced issues peculiar to their interests.
By mid-December, the DJ-5 had validated 42 IDPs (including four selected for immediate administrative incorporation into the draft UCP) and, in collaboration with the COCOMs, had rejected eleven.
Among the eleven, the DJ-5 rejected SOUTHCOM’s proposal for mutual interest states, EUCOM’s
recommendation to clarify its relationship with NATO (which involved personnel and manning issues),
and PACOM’s contention that it should have operational control of STRATCOM forces in the PACOM
AOR. SOUTHCOM’s mutual interest states’ initiative had been previously addressed and rejectedduring the UCP 2008 review. The Joint Staff believed that command relationships between EUCOM
and NATO were adequately outlined in a CJCS instruction (CJCSI 5130.01D); and that because existing UCP language was sufficiently general to allow the Secretary of Defense to delineate a command
relationship, it was unnecessary to consider PACOM’s initiative.173
Major issues adopted for review included boundary alignments for CENTCOM and AFRICOM,
formal recognition in the UCP of the command relationship between EUCOM and NATO by acknowledging that the EUCOM commander was normally dual-hatted as SACEUR, clarification and modification of JFCOM responsibilities, refinement of STRATCOM’s cyber operations mission, modification of
Arctic boundaries, and augmentation of NORTHCOM’s foreign consequence management by adding
a deployable CBRNE-CM (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosive consequence management) capability.174
Two DDS&P adjudication review sessions held in March extended AFRICOM’s AOR in the vicinity of Cape Verde, explicitly identified EUCOM dual-hatted as SACEUR, and approved compromise
language regarding several of JFCOM’s responsibilities as well as modifications to SOCOM’s request
on integration and interoperability of Special Operations and General Purpose Forces. Participants
rejected NORTHCOM’s modification of CBRNE-CM for deployment outside the United States.175
The process then moved to the OPSDEPs review stage. The first session, held on 7 April, considered
four geographic items—modifying Arctic AOR boundaries, eliminating the 2008 UCP’s cross-hatchedmap of Alaska that indicated PACOM interests, moving the Caspian Sea to the CENTCOM AOR, andshifting the Seychelles to CENTCOM.176 The Arctic region’s natural resources (estimated by the US Geological Survey in 2008 to contain 13 percent of the world’s undiscovered oil, 30 percent of undiscovered
natural gas, and 20 percent of natural gas liquids) and the effects of climate change created increased
enterprise in the region, evidenced by new sea routes through the previously impassable northern and104

1999–2012

northwest passages. The growing activity raised human and environmental safety and security issues,
as well as questions of freedom of navigation. Furthermore, there was a divergence between recent
presidentially approved Arctic region policy and the Geographic COCOMs’ missions.177
These considerations convinced the DJ-5 to modify his original support for the current COCOM
arrangements in the Arctic and establish a special Joint Staff working group to analyze the issue. Three
COCOMs—NORTHCOM, EUCOM, and PACOM—shared Arctic AORs. NORTHCOM and EUCOM
favored consolidating the area to improve command and control and unity of effort.
Participants at the first OPSDEPs Tank session, held 7 April 2010, recommended making NORTHCOM the advocate for Arctic capabilities in coordination with the relevant combatant command. The DJ-5
agreed to modify the Arctic boundaries contingent upon the OPSDEPs providing additional information.
Cross-hatching the Alaska map in the UCP had been a politically expedient decision, apparently
made by Defense Secretary Rumsfeld in 2002, to mollify Senator Daniel K. Inouye’s (D, HI) concernsthat PACOM assets in Alaska might be assigned permanently to the newly established NORTHCOM.
With the passage of time, NORTHCOM found that cross-hatching was both unnecessary and confusing. The DJ-5 originally preferred the current arrangement, regarding the deletion of cross-hatching
as merely cosmetic and not an improvement to the UCP. The OSD, the Joint Staff, and PACOM (thelast contingent on Senator Inouye’s concurrence) backed the elimination of the cross-hatching depiction. At the 7 April OPSDEPs Tank, PACOM agreed to review the political background that led tothe cross-hatching decision and alert the Joint Chiefs to possible political implications of revising the
depiction. The Caspian Sea transfer involved shifting traditional EUCOM interests to CENTCOM andwas referred to the Joint Chiefs for decision.178
Even before the April OPSDEPs meeting, the Seychelles move was in trouble. In late December
2009, the US Ambassador to the Seychelles and the State Department notified the Secretary of Defense
and Joint Staff of their opposition to any UCP realignment of the Seychelles under CENTCOM. State
claimed that it would result in duplication of effort and complicate anti-piracy operations.179 On 29
March 2010 the ambassador informed the AFRICOM commander of State’s opposition and the next
day the AFRICOM commander withdrew his proposal to move the maritime boundary north. OSD
and the Joint Staff also endorsed the status quo boundary arrangement.180
The second OPSDEPs meeting, held on 14 April, discussed recommendations to rename JFCOM
the Joint and Coalition Forces Command, assign additional responsibilities to JFCOM, clarify strategic deterrence planning responsibilities, and modify responsibilities for chemical weapons of mass
destruction’s (CWMD’s) synchronizing planning and advocacy. The JFCOM commander sought thename change to better reflect daily operations and the command’s global focus. The Director, Joint Staff,
returned the proposal to the OPSDEPs for additional review, believing that the proposed name wasinappropriate because JFCOM was not a coalition “command” and that any name change had limited
impact.181 The Director did forward the recommendations for additional JFCOM missions to the Joint
Chiefs and endorsed modified language for strategic deterrence planning responsibility.182
One week later, the third OPSDEPs meeting revisited the proposed JFCOM name change, themodification of Arctic boundaries, and the global “Synchronizing Planning” framework as prerequisites
for further discussion of UCP topics. “Synchronizing” first appeared in the 2008 UCP and a footnote
defined the concept for commanders and explained the distinction between planning and execution.
The nomenclature, however, had been contentious since SOCOM first proposed the term for the 2002
UCP. Other COCOM commanders insisted that “synchronizing” conferred authority to impinge on

105

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

their respective AORs and resisted its use. CENTCOM further noted the absence of a joint definition
for global synchronization and the inconsistency of five global synchronizers for three global campaign
plans.183 The “Synchronizing Planning” discussion continued during the fourth OPSDEPs session of
28 April. Participants preferred the status quo but agreed that more analysis was needed before thenext UCP review tentatively set for 2012. A complicating factor was the establishment of CYBERCOM
as a sub-unified command in June 2009 and its charter to synchronize “warfighting effects across theglobal security environment.”184
The fifth session, 5 May 2010, continued the “Synchronizing Planning” discussion. The Joint Staff
opted for the status quo by retaining the global synchronizer language and felt that a related issue of
responsibility for counter-threat finance was already covered by existing UCP language. OSD, however,favored SOCOM’s new, explicit language that gave SOCOM responsibility for synchronizing planningfor global counter threat finance operations.185
The first JCS Tank meeting convened on 21 May and examined the ten unresolved issues, including
the renaming of JFCOM and adding to its responsibilities, as well as the global synchronizing planning
framework.186 Their second session, on 28 May, considered geographic realignments, such as modifying
Arctic AOR boundaries and deleting the Alaska map cross-hatching. Shortly afterwards, Senator Inouye
requested Secretary Gates’ assurances that the current UCP review would not alter PACOM’s structure
or AOR. The Secretary affirmed that neither removing the cross-hatching of Alaska nor realigning theArctic AOR would involve any operational or administrative shift of forces. He further explained thateliminating cross-hatching on the Alaska portion of the UCP map would make the map consistent andavoid having to crosshatch other geographic areas where forces from one COCOM were stationed in
the AOR of a different COCOM.187 Thus reassured, the senator agreed to the elimination of the Alaska
cross-hatching on the UCP map.
Adjustment of Arctic boundaries drew the Service chiefs’ attention. The Army preferred the statusquo while the other Services, OSD, the OPSDEPs, DJ-3, DJ-5, and DJS recommended that EUCOM
and NORTHCOM share the AOR. They would extend NORTHCOM’s AOR westward to include theNorth Pole and expand the EUCOM AOR eastward to the maximum, thereby eliminating the PACOM
presence in the Arctic.188 Discussion about moving the Seychelles to CENTCOM’s AOR concluded thatthe DJ5 and CJCS decisions from the UCP 2008 supported the status quo, a position favored by OSD,
the OPSDEPs, and the State Department. The third JCS Tank meeting, 11 June, dealt with additional
responsibilities for JFCOM and TRANSCOM’s responsibilities for global distribution synchronizer.
A 21 June OPSDEPs review focused on JCS-directed language modifications to JFCOM responsibilities, identifying which combatant command should be responsible for a Standing Joint Force Headquarters for WMD Elimination (SJFHQ-E), and the sufficiency of the current UCP’s language to establish
SJFHQ-E. The Joint Staff favored STRATCOM for the SJFHQ-E responsibility while OSD preferred either
STRATCOM or JFCOM. The JCS endorsed the status quo retention of global synchronizer planning.189
As noted, several OPSDEPs and JCS Tank sessions between April and July 2010 were devoted to
JFCOM initiatives. During May 2010, Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, concerned about the
DOD’s ability to sustain the current force structure and continue military modernization in an era of
reduced Defense budgets, directed the Defense Business Board to review personnel, organization, andoperations to identify efficiencies and savings. In mid-July the board recommended a downsizing of the
COCOMs, beginning with the elimination of JFCOM. Secretary Gates’ 9 August announcement that
he would recommend JFCOM’s closure to the President and the assignment of its force management1061999–2012

and sourcing functions to the Joint Staff surprised UCP action officers. One week later, the Secretary
officially notified the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, among others, of a series of initiatives toreduce excess and duplication department-wide that would eliminate the J-6 and JFCOM. Following
the President’s approval of the recommendations in early January 2011, J-5 action officers amended thedraft UCP to acknowledge the Secretary of Defense’s decision to disestablish JFCOM effective 31 August
2011. Until that date, JFCOM remained responsible for executing its assigned missions and tasks.190
By late August, the major proposed changes to the 2010 UCP would modify the Arctic region’s
AORs and assign the Commander NORTHCOM advocacy for Arctic capabilities; account for thepending disestablishment of JFCOM in the UCP; give TRANSCOM responsibility for planning global
distribution operations; and, based on the Chairman’s decision in lieu of a planned JCS Tank, strengthen
STRATCOM’s authorities as a global synchronizer for planning for combating WMDs as well as separately giving STRATCOM authority to synchronize domestic (but not allied) cyberspace operations.
AFRICOM’s maritime boundary shifted westward to Cape Verde, NORTHCOM and EUCOM divided
the Arctic AOR; the Commander, USEUCOM, was specifically identified as the dual-hatted Supreme
Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). All references to Senior US Military Officers Assigned to
Korea (SUSMOAK) were deleted and Alaska cross-hatching was removed in the UCP. SOUTHCOM’s
boundary was shifted to include the entire Sandwich Islands group. The current AOR boundaries for
the Seychelles remained unchanged.191
On 1 November Admiral Mullen forwarded the UCP 2010 to Secretary Gates for signature andtransmittal to the President.192 Mr. Gates was then awaiting recommendations related to his August
efficiency initiatives and did not immediately forward the document to the White House. Instead,about one month later, the Secretary directed that the term “Psychological Operations (PSYOP)” be
replaced with “Military Information Support Operations” (MISO). According to Secretary Gates, theformer terminology had become anachronistic and misleading, connoting propaganda, manipulation,and deceit. The Commander, USSOCOM, would be the Joint Proponent for MISO (as he had been for
PYSOPS), but the name change would also require a change to the draft UCP language then awaiting
the Secretary’s signature.193 This was also the case for JFCOM when on 9 February 2011 Secretary Gates
announced his initial guidance and direction for the command’s disestablishment.194
Rather than redo the draft UCP document, apparently the Secretary decided to amend the UCP
at a later date. On 11 March, he sent the UCP 2010 to the President. Just three days later, however, Secretary Gates disseminated a series of efficiency decisions related to his August 2010 initiatives. Besides
the disestablishment of JFCOM, the announcement mandated a reduction from seven SJFHQs at
Commbatant Commands (abbreviated now as CCDM per Joint Publication 1-02, 8 November 2012)
to two global SJFHQs by the end of FY 2012. A subsequent Secretary of Defense memorandum, basedon recommendations from a Chairman-led DOD working group that included OSD, the CCDMs,
and Services, specified the redistribution of USJFCOM organizations and functions to other CCDMs,
Services, OSD, and the Joint Staff to be accomplished not later than 31 August 2011.195 During thisinterval, on 6 April, the President signed the UCP 2011.196
Meanwhile, in late February, to respond to the recent changes, the Deputy Director Joint Strategic
Planning (DDJSP) began a UCP review to produce a Change-1 by September that would amend the
UCP 2010 to comport with the Defense Secretary’s latest guidance.197 On 2 May Admiral Mullen notified the Service Chiefs and the CCDM commanders of his decision that the DDJSP would review thepresidentally approved 2010 UCP to facilitate the rapid integration of Secretary Gates’ recent decisions

107

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

into the document as Change-1. J-5 action officers and CCDM and Service representatives relied on arevised set of “Business Rules” that focused on JFCOM’s disestablishment and set a September 2011
deadline to produce Change-1.198
During a three-day conference in early May, Joint Staff, Service, and CCDM planners removed
the SJFHQ and JFCOM language and references from the 2010 UCP. Thereafter the process moved
with unprecedented speed. In mid-June the OPSDEPs approved the results without discussion, and,due to the unanimous concurrence, the Joint Chiefs cancelled a scheduled Tank meeting and instead
moved the recommended change directly to the four-star coordination level. In mid-July the generaland flag officers completed their coordination. The Chairman submitted Change-1 to the new Secretaryof Defense, Leon Panetta, on 4 August; eight days later Secretary Panetta forwarded the document to
the President. By mid-August it had reached the National Security Staff where it awaited presidential
signature. On 12 September the President issued Change-1 that amended the 2010 UCP by removing
the USJFCOM section; deleting the SJFHQ language from all sections pertaining to geographic commands; eliminating USSOCOM IO support to STRATCOM; and removing IO, military deception, andoperations security missions from STRATCOM. Change-1 expanded STRATCOM’s joint electronic
warfare responsibilities, transferred the Joint Warfare Analysis Center missions to STRATCOM, andadded responsibility for a global SJFHQ to TRANSCOM.199
The post 9-11 decade was arguably the most momentous period in the UCP’s history. The multiple
terror attacks on the United States in September 2001 led to the creation of NORTHCOM, which became
responsible for homeland security, and a “new” STRATCOM, which enhanced integrated global planning. Between 2001 and 2011 OSD pushed for consolidation to achieve efficiencies and reduce costs.
Yet mega-commands did not materialize. The proposed merger of NORTHCOM and SOUTHCOM
into Americas Command was discarded, in part because independent studies identified no substantive
saving. A proposed merger of EUCOM and CENTCOM was also shelved because of span of control
issues. The existing CCDM structure remained intact and recognizable, regardless of OSD’s push forconsolidation. Nevertheless, the Secretary of Defense exerted significant influence on the UCP processduring much of the decade through numerous OSD initiatives and occasionally by unilateral actions
such as moving Syria and Lebanon to CENTCOM’s AOR or recommending JFCOM’s disestablishment. In similar fashion, the post 9-11 era witnessed SOCOM’s steady rise under the patronage of theSecretary of Defense and OSD.
The other COCOMs’ resistance to SOCOM’s increased authorities reflected the traditional tendency
to preserve their respective AORs and responsibilities. New contingencies demanded new responses.
AFRICOM emerged to deal with the growing importance of Africa’s promise and threat. Besides the
COCOM reorganizations, the evolving UCP reflected initiatives for cyberspace, global missile defense,
pandemic influenza, security assistance, and humanitarian operations. Despite increased jointness, theCOCOMs’ greater assertiveness during wartime, and OSD initiatives, the Services retained a powerfulrole in UCP formulation by virtue of their participation in the JCS Tank sessions.
The UCP has demonstrated its flexibility as it evolved during more than 60 years of war and peace.
Change occurred in an irregular, occasionally erratic, fashion, but in general resulted in greater joint
effort and the rise of the COCOM’s authority. The long sought after goal of unity of effort suffered during the Korean War when the FECOM commander depended almost entirely on an Army staff andduring the Vietnam War when the Defense Secretary routinely bypassed PACOM to deal directly withthe theater commanders. The initial post-Vietnam era witnessed a worsening of inter-Service rivalry

108

1999–2012

that adversely affected US operations Grenada and led to congressionally mandated reforms in the
Goldwater-Nichols legislation. The act redefined the Chairman’s role, enabling him to promote jointness via reorganized combatant commands and newly established functional commands. These efforts
paid dividends during the first Gulf War during 1991. The UCP’s evolution during the first decade of
the 21st century not only adapted to multiple conflicts occasioned by the war on terror, including two
major contingency operations, but also integrated emerging technologies, reorganized COCOMs, andestablished AFRICOM to meet emerging issues. JFCOM’s disestablishment paradoxically reflected its
success in inculcating a joint culture that made its mission redundant. In sum, the interaction continued
between OSD efforts to centralize and streamline control of the COCOMs without impinging on what
the Services or the COCOMs viewed as their basic roles and missions.

109appendicesAppendix I
Dates Unified and Specified Commands Established

CINCSAC

Strategic Air Command (SAC)

14 Dec 1946

A specified command. President Truman’s
approval of the first Unified Command Planon 14 Dec 1946 recognized the already existing SAC and brought it under JCS control. The
JCS did not issue a directive to SAC until 13
Apr 1949.
Disestablished 1 Jun 1992; most functions
assumed by USSTRATCOM.
CINCPAC

Pacific Command (PACOM)

1 Jan 1947

Redesignated:
USCINCPAC

US Pacific Command (USPACOM)

11 Oct 1983

CINCFEFar East Command (FECOM)

1 Jan 1947

Disestablished 1 Jul 1957; functions assumed
by USPACOM.
CINCEUR

European Command (EUCOM)

15 Mar 1947

Nominally a unified command, but almost
wholly of Army composition.
Succeeded by:
USCINCEUR

US European Command (EUCOM), a fullfledged unified command.

1 Aug 1952

113

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

CINCNELM

US Naval Forces, Eastern Atlantic andMediterranean (NELM)

1 Nov 1947

A specified command. From 1 Aug 1952 to
19 Feb 1960, also the Navy component of
USEUCOM. Thereafter, CINCNELM had theconcurrent title of CINCUS-NAVEUR as the
Navy component of USEUCOM.
Disestablished 1 Dec 1963.
CINCARIB

Caribbean Command (CARIBCOM)

1 Nov 1947

Redesignated:
USCINCSOUS Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM)

6 Jun 1963

CINCLANT

Atlantic Command (LANTCOM)

1 Dec 1947

Redesignated:
USCINCLANT

US Atlantic Command (USLANTCOM)

11 Oct 1983

Redesignated:
CINCUSACOM

US Atlantic Command (USACOM) withexpanded responsibilities, including all CONUSbased Army and Air Force combat units.

1 Oct 1993

Redesignated:
CINCUSJFCOM

US Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) withfocus as force provider, joint doctrine/training,interoperability, experimentation and transformation.

1 Oct 1999

Disestablished 31 Aug 2011.
CINCNEUS Northeast Command (USNEC)

1 Oct 1950

Disestablished 1 Sep 1956.
CINCUSAFEUS Air Forces, Europe (USAFE)A specified command. From 1 Aug 1952
onward, also the Air Force component of
USEUCOM.
Specified command status terminated 1 Jul 1956.

114

22 Jan 1951

Appendix I

CINCONAD

Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD)

1 Sep 1954

Originally designated a joint command; madea unified command in Sep 1958. With Canada,
the North American Air Defense Command(NORAD) was established 12 Sep 1957. CINCONAD also designated CINCNORAD.
Disestablished 30 Jun 1975; functions assumed
by ADCOM.
CINCSTRIKE

US Strike Command (USSTRICOM)

1 Jan 1962

Assumed additional responsibilities, 1 Dec 1963,
under added designation USCINCMEAFSA(Middle East, Africa south of the Sahara, andSouth Asia).
Disestablished 31 Dec 1971; original functions
passed to USREDCOM.
USCINCRED

US Readiness Command (USREDCOM)

1 Jan 1972

Disestablished on 30 Sep 1987.
CINCAD

Aerospace Defense Command (ADCOM)

1 Jul 1975

A specified command. NORAD continued,
with CINCAD also designated CINCNORAD.
Disestablished 19 Dec 86; functions assumed
by USSPACECOM.
CINCMAC

Military Airlift Command (MAC)

1 Feb 1977

Designated a specified command for airlift.
Terminated as a specified command 30 Sep
1988.
USCINCCENT

US Central Command (USCENTCOM)

1 Jan 1983

Replaced the Rapid Deployment Joint Task
Force which was established 1 Mar 1980.

115

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

USSPACECOMUS Space Command (USSPACECOM)

23 Sep 1985

Disestablished 1 Oct 2002.
Merged with USCINCSTRAT to form new US
Strategic Command established 1 Oct 2002.
USCINCSOC

US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)

16 Apr 1987

USCINCTRANS

US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM)

1 Jul 1987

CINCFORSCOM

Forces Command (FORSCOM) designated a
specified command.

1 Jul 1987

Specified command status terminated on 1 Oct
1993; FORSCOM then became the Army component of USACOM.
USCINCSTRATUS Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM)

1 Jun 1992

Disestablished 1 Oct 2002.
Merged with USSPACECOM to form new US
Strategic Command established 1 Oct 2002.
USSTRATCOM

US Strategic Command

1 Oct 2002

USNORTHCOMUS Northern Command (USNORTHCOM)

1 Oct 2002

USAFRICOMUS Africa Command (USAFRICOM)

1 Oct 2008116

Appendix II
Unified Command Plans

Plan

Date

Superseded By(U) Outline Command Plan

Approved by President
Truman 14 Dec 1946

SM-180-55, 9 Mar 1955

(U) SM-1419-53

24 Jul 1953

SM-180-55, 9 Mar 1955

(U) SM-180-55

9 Mar 1955

SM-749-57, 24 Oct 1957

(U) SM-548-56

3 Jul 1956

SM-749-57, 24 Oct 1957

(C) SM-749-57

24 Oct 1957

SM-643-58, 8 Sep 1958

(C) SM-643-58

8 Sep 1958

SM-105-61, 4 Feb 1961

(C) SM-105-61

4 Feb 1961

SM-1400-63, 20 Nov 1963

(C) SM-1400-63

20 Nov 1963
(effective 1 Dec 1963)

SM-422-71, 30 Jun 1971

(C) SM-422-71

30 Jun 1971
(effective 1 Jan 1972)

SM-356-75, 27 Jun 1975

(C) SM-356-75

27 Jun 1975
(effective 1 Jul 1975)

SM-729-83, 28 Oct 1983(S) SM-729-83

28 Oct 1983

SM-143-88, 1 Mar 1988

(S) SM-143-88

1 Mar 1988
(effective 1 Apr 1988)

SM-712-89, 16 Aug 1989

(S) SM-712-89

16 Aug 1989
(effective 1 Oct 1989)

MCM-64-92, 24 Apr 1992

(S) MCM-64-92

24 Apr 1992
(effective 1 Jun 1992)

MCM-57-93, 5 Apr 1993

(S) MCM-57-93

5 Apr 1993
(effective 15 Apr 1993)

MCM-144-93, 6 Oct 1993

117

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

Plan

Date

Superseded By(S) MCM-144-93

6 Oct 1993

MCM-080-95, 21 Jun 1995

(S) MCM-080-95

21 Jun 1995

MCM-011-96, 17 Jan 1996

(S) MCM-011-96

17 Jan 1996

MCM-024-98, 9 Feb 1998

(S) MCM-024-98

9 Feb 1998

MCM-162-99, 12 Oct 1999

(S) MCM-162-99

12 Oct 1999

MCM-0016-03, 4 Feb 2003

(S) MCM-0016-03

4 Feb 2003 (incorporates
Changes 1 and 2)

MCM-0012-05, 17 Mar 2005

(FOUO) MCM-0012-05

17 Mar 2005

MCM-0004-06, 31 May 2006

(FOUO) MCM-0004-06

31 May 2006

MCM-0044-08, 23 Dec 2008

(U) MCM-0044-08

23 Dec 2008

MCM-0013-11, 20 Apr 2011

(U) MCM-0013-11

20 Apr 2011

DJSM-0604-11, 21 Sep 2011

(U) DJSM-0604-11

21 Sep 2011 (incorporates
Change 1)118

Appendix III
Chronological Listing of Presidents of the United States,
Secretaries of Defense, and Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

President

Secretary

Chairman

Harry S. Truman
12 Apr 45–20 Jan 53

James V. Forrestal
17 Sep 47–27 Mar 49

General of the Army
Omar N. Bradley, USA
16 Aug 49–

Louis A. Johnson
28 Mar 49–19 Sep 50
George C. Marshall
21 Sep 50–12 Sep 51
Robert A. Lovett
17 Sep 51–20 Jan 53
Dwight D. Eisenhower
20 Jan 53–20 Jan 61

Charles E. Wilson
28 Jan 53–08 Oct 57
Neil H. McElroy
09 Oct 57–01 Dec 59
Thomas S. Gates, Jr.
02 Dec 59–20 Jan 61

General of the Army
Omar N. Bradley, USA–15 Aug 53
ADM Arthur W. Radford,
USN
15 Aug 53–15 Aug 57
Gen Nathan F. Twining,
USAF
15 Aug 57–30 Sep 60
GEN Lyman L. Lemnitzer,
USA
01 Oct 60–

John F. Kennedy
20 Jan 61–22 Nov 63

Robert S. McNamara
21 Jan 61–

GEN Lyman L. Lemnitzer,
USA–30 Sep 62
GEN Maxwell D. Taylor, USA
01 Oct 62–

119

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

President

Secretary

Chairman

Lyndon B. Johnson
22 Nov 63–20 Jan 69

Robert S. McNamara–29 Feb 68

GEN Maxwell D. Taylor, USA–01 Jul 64

Clark M. Clifford
01 Mar 68–20 Jan 69

GEN Earle G. Wheeler, USA
03 Jul 64–

Melvin R. Laird
22 Jan 69–29 Jan 73

GEN Earle G. Wheeler, USA–02 Jul 70

Elliot L. Richardson
30 Jan 73–24 May 73

ADM Thomas H. Moorer,
USN
02 Jul 70–01 Jul 74

Richard M. Nixon
20 Jan 69–09 Aug 74

James R. Schlesinger
02 Jul 73–
Gerald R. Ford
09 Aug 74–20 Jan 77

James R. Schlesinger–19 Nov 75

Gen George S. Brown, USAF
01 Jul 74–
Gen George S. Brown, USAF

Donald H. Rumsfeld
20 Nov 75–20 Jan 77
Jimmy Carter
20 Jan 77–20 Jan 81

Harold Brown
21 Jan 77–20 Jan 81

Gen George S. Brown, USAF
–20 Jun 78
Gen David C. Jones, USAF
21 Jun 78–

Ronald W. Reagan
20 Jan 81–20 Jan 89

Caspar W. Weinberger
21 Jan 81–23 Nov 87

Gen David C. Jones, USAF
–18 Jun 82

Frank C. Carlucci
23 Nov 87–20 Jan 89

GEN John W. Vessey, Jr., USA
18 Jun 82–30 Sep 85
ADM William J. Crowe, Jr.,USN
01 Oct 85–

George H. W. Bush
20 Jan 89–20 Jan 93

Dick Cheney
21 Mar 89–20 Jan 93

ADM William J. Crowe, Jr.,USN
–30 Sep 89
GEN Colin L. Powell, USA
30 Sep 89–

120

Appendix III

President

Secretary

ChairmanWilliam J. Clinton

Les Aspin
20 Jan 93–03 Feb 94

GEN Colin L. Powell, USA–30 Sep 93

William J. Perry
03 Feb 94–24 Jan 97

GEN John M. Shalikashvili,USA
25 Oct 93–30 Sep 97

20 Jan 93–20 Jan 01

William S. Cohen
24 Jan 97–20 Jan 01
George W. Bush
20 Jan 01–20 Jan 09

GEN Henry H. Shelton, USA
01 Oct 97–

Donald H. Rumsfeld
20 Jan 01–18 Dec 06

GEN Henry H. Shelton, USA–30 Sep 01

Robert M. Gates
18 Dec 06–

Gen Richard B. Myers, USAF
01 Oct 01–30 Sep 05
Gen Peter Pace, USMC
01 Oct 05–30 Sep 07
ADM Michael G. Mullen,
USN
01 Oct 07–

Barack Obama
20 Jan 09 –Robert M. Gates–01 Jul 11
Leon E. Panetta
01 Jul 11 –ADM Michael G. Mullen,
USN–30 Sep 11
GEN Martin E. Dempsey,
USA
01 Oct 11–

121

Appendix IV

Membership of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Chief of Staff to the Commander
in Chief of the Army and Navy1
Fleet ADM William D. Leahy

From
20 Jul 42To
21 Mar 492

Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff3
General of the Army Omar N. Bradley, USA
ADM Arthur W. Radford, USN
Gen Nathan F. Twining, USAF
GEN Lyman L. Lemnitzer, USA
GEN Maxwell D. Taylor, USA
GEN Earle G. Wheeler, USA
ADM Thomas H. Moorer, USN
Gen George S. Brown, USAF
Gen David C. Jones, USAF
GEN John W. Vessey, Jr., USA
ADM William J. Crowe, Jr., USN
GEN Colin L. Powell, USAFrom
16 Aug 49
15 Aug 53
15 Aug 57
01 Oct 60
01 Oct 62
03 Jul 64
02 Jul 70
01 Jul 74
21 Jun 786
18 Jun 827
01 Oct 85
01 Oct 89

To
15 Aug 53
15 Aug 57
30 Sep 60
30 Sep 62
01 Jul 644
02 Jul 705
01 Jul 74
20 Jun 78
18 Jun 826
30 Sep 85
30 Sep 89
30 Sep 93

1 President Roosevelt established this position on 20 July 1942 to provide an officer to preside over JCS
meetings and maintain liaison with the White House. The position lapsed in March 1949 when Admiral Leahy
was detached.
2 Date detached. At the request of President Truman, General of the Army Dwight D. Eisenhower, while
president of Columbia University, served as the principal military adviser to the President and the Secretary of
Defense, and presiding officer of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from February to August 1949.
3 The position of Chairman was created by the 1949 Amendments to the National Security Act of 1947
approved 10 August 1949. The President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoints the Chairman.
Originally, the Chairman served a two-year term with eligibility for a second two-year term, except in time of
war when there would be no limit on the number of reappointments. Since 1 October 1986, the Chairman is
appointed for a two-year term beginning on 1 October of odd-numbered years. He may be reappointed for one
additional term, except in time of war when there is no limit on the number of reappointments. An officer may
not serve as Chairman or Vice Chairman if his combined service in such positions exceeds six years.
4 Retired 1 July 1959; recalled to active duty 1 July 1961; relieved from active duty 1 July 1964; reverted toretired status 2 July 1964.
5 Reappointed for a two-year term in 1966, for a one-year term in 1968, and an additional one-year termin 1969; retired 3 July 1970.
6 His Presidential commission was dated 20 June 1978. General Jones became Acting Chairman on 21
February 1978, when General Brown entered the hospital; he was sworn in as Chairman on 30 June 1978. He
retired 1 July 1982.
7 Took oath of office privately on 18 June 1982; he was sworn in publicly on 21 June 1982.
123

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff

From

To

ADM David E. Jeremiah, USA (acting)
GEN John M. Shalikashvili, USA
GEN Henry H. Shelton, USA
Gen Richard B. Myers, USAF
Gen Peter Pace, USMC
ADM Michael G. Mullen, USN
GEN Martin E. Dempsey, USA

01 Oct 93
25 Oct 93
01 Oct 97
01 Oct 01
01 Oct 05
01 Oct 07
01 Oct 11

24 Oct 93
30 Sep 97
01 Oct 01
30 Sep 05
30 Sep 07
30 Sep 11

124

Appendix IV

Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff8

From

To

Gen Robert T. Herres, USAF
ADM David E. Jeremiah, USN
ADM William A. Owens, USN
Gen Joseph Ralston, USAF
Gen Richard B. Myers, USAF
Gen Peter Pace, USMC
ADM Edmund P. Giambastiani, Jr., USN
Gen James E. Cartwright, USMC9ADM James E, Winnefeld, Jr., USN

06 Feb 87
01 Mar 90
01 Mar 94
01 Mar 96
01 Mar 00
01 Oct 01
12 Aug 05
02 Sep 07
04 Aug 11

28 Feb 90
28 Feb 94
28 Feb 96
01 Mar 00
01 Oct 01
12 Aug 05
27 Jul 07
03 Aug 11

8 The position of Vice Chairman was created by the Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act (Public Law 99-433) of 1 October 1986. The Vice Chairman acts as Chairman when there is avacancy in that office or in the absence or disability of the Chairman. Until October 1992, the Vice Chairman
was a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff only when he was acting for the Chairman. Public Law 102-484 of 23
October 1992 made him a full member of the JCS. The Chairman and the Vice Chairman may not be membersof the same military Service although the President may briefly waive that restriction in order to facilitate theorderly filling of the positions.
The President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoints the Vice Chairman for a term of two
years, and may be reappointed for two additional terms, except in time of war when there is no limit on thenumber of reappointments.
9 Served as Acting Vice Chairman from 3 August 2007.
125

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

Chief of Staff, US Army10
General of the Army
George C. Marshall
General of the Army
Dwight D. Eisenhower
GEN Omar N. Bradley
GEN J. Lawton Collins
GEN Matthew B. Ridgway
GEN Maxwell D. Taylor
GEN Lyman L. Lemnitzer
GEN George H. Decker
GEN Earle G. Wheeler
GEN Harold K. Johnson
GEN William C. Westmoreland
GEN Bruce Palmer, Jr. (acting)
GEN Creighton W. Abrams
GEN Fred C. Weyand13
GEN Bernard W. Rogers
GEN Edward C. Meyer
GEN John A. Wickham, Jr.
GEN Carl E. Vuono
GEN Gordon R. Sullivan
GEN Dennis A. Reimer
GEN Eric K. Shinseki
GEN Peter J. Schoomaker
GEN George W. Casey, Jr.
GEN Martin E. Dempsey14
GEN Raymond T. Odierno

From

To

09 Feb 4211

18 Nov 45

19 Nov 45
07 Feb 48
16 Aug 49
15 Aug 53
30 Jun 55
01 Jul 59
01 Oct 60
01 Oct 62
03 Jul 64
03 Jul 68
01 Jul 72
12 Oct 72
03 Oct 74
01 Oct 76
22 Jun 79
23 Jun 83
23 Jun 87
21 Jun 91
20 Jun 95
21 Jun 99
01 Aug 03
10 Apr 07
11 Apr 11
07 Sep 11

07 Feb 48
16 Aug 49
15 Aug 53
30 Jun 55
01 Jul 59
30 Sep 60
30 Sep 62
02 Jul 64
02 Jul 68
30 Jun 72
11 Oct 72
04 Sep 7412
01 Oct 76
21 Jun 79
22 Jun 83
22 Jun 87
21 Jun 91
19 Jun 95
20 Jun 99
11 Jun 03
10 Apr 07
10 Apr 11
07 Sep 11

10 Since 1 January 1969 (under Public Law 90-22 of 5 June 1967 which amended Section 3034(a) of Title
10, US Code), the Chief of Staff, US Army, is appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate for a four-year term and, in time of war, is eligible for reappointment for a term of not more than four years.
11 Date of first formal JCS meeting.
12 Date of death.
13 Acting Chief of Staff, 4 September to 2 October 1974.
14 Appointed Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff on 1 October 2011.
126

Appendix IV

Chief of Naval Operations15

From

To

ADM Harold R. Stark
Fleet ADM Ernest J. King17
Fleet ADM Chester W. Nimitz
ADM Louis E. Denfeld
ADM Forrest P. Sherman
ADM William M. Fechteler
ADM Robert B. Carney
ADM Arleigh A. Burke
ADM George W. Anderson, Jr.
ADM David L. McDonald
ADM Thomas H. Moorer
ADM Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr.
ADM James L. Holloway III
ADM Thomas B. Hayward
ADM James D. Watkins
ADM Carlisle A. H. Trost
ADM Frank B. Kelso II
ADM Jeremy M. Boorda
ADM Jay L. Johnson (acting)
ADM Jay L. Johnson
ADM Vernon E. Clark
ADM Michael G. Mullen
ADM Gary Roughead
ADM Jonathan W. Greenert

09 Feb 4216
09 Feb 4216
15 Dec 45
15 Dec 47
02 Nov 49
16 Aug 51
17 Aug 53
17 Aug 55
01 Aug 61
01 Aug 63
01 Aug 67
01 Jul 70
01 Jul 74
01 Jul 78
01 Jul 82
01 Jul 86
01 Jul 90
23 Apr 94
16 May 96
04 Aug 96
21 Jul 00
22 Jul 05
29 Sep 07
23 Sep 11

12 Mar 42
15 Dec 45
15 Dec 47
02 Nov 49
22 Jul 5118
16 Aug 53
17 Aug 55
01 Aug 61
01 Aug 63
01 Aug 67
01 Jul 70
01 Jul 74
01 Jul 78
01 Jul 82
01 Jul 86
30 Jun 90
23 Apr 94
16 May 9618
04 Aug 96
21 Jul 00
22 Jul 05
29 Sep 07
23 Sep 11

15 Since 1 January 1969 (under Public Law 9-22 of 5 June 1967 which amended Section 5081(a) of Title 10,
US Code), the Chief of Naval Operations is appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate
for a four-year term and, in time of war, may be reappointed for a term of not more than four years.
16 Date of first formal JCS meeting.
17 At the initial JCS meetings both the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Stark, and the Commander
in Chief, US Fleet, Admiral King, represented the Navy. By Executive Order 9096, on 12 March 1942, the two
positions were combined in one individual, Admiral King, who served as Commander in Chief, US Fleet, andChief of Naval Operations. In accordance with Executive Order 9635, on 10 October 1945, Admiral King’s title
became simply Chief of Naval Operations, and the title of Commander in Chief, US Fleet, ceased to exist.
18 Date of death.
127

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

Chief of Staff, US Air Force19

From

To

General of the Army
Henry H. Arnold20
GEN Carl Spaatz22
Gen Hoyt S. Vandenberg
Gen Nathan F. Twining
Gen Thomas D. WhiteGen Curtis E. LeMay
Gen John P. McConnell
Gen John D. RyanGen George S. Brown
Gen David C. Jones
Gen Lew Allen, Jr.23
Gen Charles A. Gabriel
Gen Larry D. Welch
Gen Michael J. DuganGen John M. Loh (acting)
Gen Merrill A. McPeak
Gen Ronald R. Fogleman
Gen Michael E. Ryan
Gen John P. Jumper
Gen T. Michael Moseley
Gen Duncan J. McNabb (acting)
Gen Norton A. Schwartz
Gen Mark A. Welsh

09 Feb 4221
01 Mar 46
30 Apr 48
30 Jun 53
01 Jul 57
30 Jun 61
01 Feb 65
01 Aug 69
01 Aug 73
01 Jul 74
01 Jul 78
01 Jul 82
01 Jul 86
01 Jul 90
17 Sep 90
27 Oct 90
26 Oct 94
02 Oct 97
06 Sep 01
02 Sep 05
12 Jul 08
12 Aug 08
10 Aug 12

28 Feb 46
30 Apr 48
30 Jun 53
30 Jun 57
30 Jun 61
31 Jan 65
01 Aug 69
31 Jul 73
30 Jun 74
20 Jun 78
30 Jun 82
30 Jun 86
30 Jun 90
17 Sep 90
27 Oct 90
25 Oct 94
02 Oct 97
05 Sep 01
02 Sep 05
12 Jul 08
12 Aug 08
10 Aug 12

19 Position created by the National Security Act of 1947. Since 1 January 1969 (under Public Law 90-22 of
5 June 1967 which amended Section 8034(A) of Title 10, US Code), the Chief of Staff, US Air Force, is appointed
by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate for a four-year term and, in time of war, may be reappointed for a term of not more than four years.
20 Served as member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as Commanding General, Army Air Forces.
21 Date of first formal JCS meeting.
22 Commanding General, Army Air Forces, until sworn in as the first Chief of Staff, US Air Force, on 26
September 1947.
23 Acting Chief of Staff, US Air Force, from 21 to 30 June 1978.
128

Appendix IV

Commandant, US Marine Corps24

From

To

Gen Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr.
Gen Randolph McC. PateGen David M. Shoup
Gen Wallace M. Greene, Jr.
Gen Leonard F. Chapman, Jr.
Gen Robert E. Cushman, Jr.
Gen Louis H. Wilson
Gen Robert H. Barrow
Gen Paul X. Kelley
Gen Alfred M. Gray, Jr.
Gen Carl E. Mundy, Jr.
Gen Charles C. Krulak
Gen James L. JonesGen Michael W. Hagee
Gen James T. Conroy
Gen James F. Amos

28 Jun 52
01 Jan 56
01 Jan 60
01 Jan 64
01 Jan 68
01 Jan 72
01 Jul 75
01 Jul 79
01 Jul 83
01 Jul 87
01 Jul 91
01 Jul 95
01 Jul 99
13 Jan 03
14 Nov 06
22 Oct 10

31 Dec 55
31 Dec 59
31 Dec 63
31 Dec 67
31 Dec 71
30 Jun 75
30 Jun 79
30 Jun 83
30 Jun 87
01 Jul 91
30 Jun 95
30 Jun 99
13 Jan 03
13 Nov 06
22 Oct 10

24 By Public Law 416, 82d Congress, 28 June 1952, the Commandant of the US Marine Corps was placedin co-equal status with the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff when matters of direct concern to the Marine
Corps were considered. In 1978, Section 141 of Title 10, US Code, was amended by Public Law 485, 95th Congress, approved 20 October 1978, to provide full membership for the Commandant of the Marine Corps in the
Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Effective 1 January 1969 (under Public Law 90-22 of 5 June 1967, which amended Section 5201(a) of Title 10,
US Code) the Commandant of the US Marine Corps is appointed by the President with the advice and consent
of the Senate for a four-year term and, in time of war, may be reappointed for a term of not more than four years.

129

Appendix V
Glossary of Abbreviations

A
AAF
ACC
ACOM
ADCOM
ALCOM
ANTEDEFCOM
AOR
ARADCOM
ASD/ISA
ASD/SOLIC
ASW
AWACS

Army Air Force
Air Combat Command
Atlantic Command
Aerospace Defense Command
Alaskan Command
Antilles Defense Command
Area of Responsibility
Army Air Defense Command
Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Affairs
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations/Low
Intensity Conflict
Antisubmarine Warfare
Airborne Warning and Control System

B
BMD

ballistic missile defenseC
CBRNE-CM
CCJTF
CDE
CENTCOMCG AAFCG AFFE
CG CONARCCG FEAFCG SACCG USARPAC
CG USFET
CINCAD
CINCAFLANT
CINCAFPAC

chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield
explosive consequence management
Caribbean Combined Joint Task Force
concept development and experimentation
Central Command
Commanding General, Army Air Forces
Commanding General, Army Forces, Far East
Commanding General, Continental Army Command
Commanding General, Far East Air Forces
Commanding General, Strategic Air Command
Commanding General, US Army PacificCommanding General, US Forces, European Theater
Commander in Chief, Aerospace Defense Command
Commander in Chief, Air Forces, Atlantic
Commander in Chief, US Army Forces, Pacific131History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

CINCALCINCARIBCINCARLANTCINCEURCINCFECINCLANTCINCLANTFLTCINCMAC
CINCMEAFSACINCNAVEASTLANTMEDCINCNECINCNELM
CINCNORAD
CINCONADCINCPACCINCPACAFCINCPACFLTCINCSAC
CINCSPECOMMECINCSTRIKECINCUNC
CINCUSAFE
CJCS
CJTF
CMC
CMD
CND
CNO
COCOM
COMCARIBSEAFRONCOMNAVFE
COMRDJTF
COMTACCOMUS JAPANCOMUS KOREA
COMUSMACVCONAD
CONARC132

Commander in Chief, Alaska
Commander in Chief, Caribbean
Commander in Chief, Army Atlantic
Commander in Chief, Europe
Commander in Chief, Far East
Commander in Chief, Atlantic
Commander in Chief, Atlantic Fleet
Commander in Chief, Military Airlift Command
Commander in Chief, Middle East, Africa south of the Sahara,
and South Asia
Commander in Chief, US Naval Forces, Eastern Atlantic andMediterranean (shortened to CINCNELM in 1948)
Commander in Chief, Northeast
Commander in Chief, US Naval Forces, Eastern Atlanticand Mediterranean
Commander in Chief, North American Air Defense Command
Commander in Chief, Continental Air Defense Command
Commander in Chief, PacificCommander in Chief, Pacific Air Forces
Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet
Commander in Chief, Strategic Air Command
Commander in Chief, Specified Command, Middle East
Commander in Chief, US Strike Command
Commander in Chief, United Nations Command
Commander in Chief, US Air Forces, Europe
Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
Commander, Joint Task Force
Commandant, US Marine Corps
cruise missile defense
Computer Network Defense
Chief of Naval Operations
Combatant Commander
Commander, Caribbean Sea FrontierCommander, Naval Forces, Far East
Commander, Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force
Commander, Tactical Air Command
Commander, US Forces, Japan
Commander, US Forces, Korea
Commander, US Military Assistance Command, Vietnam
Continental Air Defense Command
Continental Army CommandAppendix V

CONUS
CORM
CSA
CSAF
CWMD

Continental United States
Commission on Roles and Missions
Chief of Staff, US Army
Chief of Staff, US Air Force
combating weapons of mass destruction

D
DASD(S)
DBOF
DDJSP
DDS&P
DIA
DLA
DOD
DOMS
DPG

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Strategy
Defense Business Operations Fund
Deputy Director Joint Strategic Planning
Deputy Director for Strategy & Policy
Defense Intelligence Agency
Defense Logistics Agency
Department of Defense
Director of Military Support
Defense Planning GroupEENRAAF
EUCOM

Europe, NATO, Russia, Africa
European CommandF
FECOM
FORSCOM

Far East Command
Forces Command

G
GCC
GWOT

Geographic Combatant Commander
Global War on Terror

I
ICBM
IDA
IDP
IO
IT

Intercontinental Ballistic Missile
Institute for Defense Analysis
Issue Development Paper
Information Operations
information technology

133

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

J
JCS
JDA
JFCOM
JSCP
JSOA
JSPOG
JSTPS
JTF

Joint Chiefs of Staff
Joint Deployment Agency
Joint Forces Command
Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan
Joint Special Operations Agency
Joint Strategic Plans and Operations Group
Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff
Joint Task ForceL
LANTCOM
LANTFLT
LIO

Atlantic Command
Atlantic Fleet
low intensity conflict

M
MAC
MACV
MAF
MARLANTMDAPMEAFSAMEAFSAIO
MECOM
MFP
MIDEASTFOR
MISO
MOP
MSC
MSP
MTMC

Military Airlift Command
Military Assistance Command, Vietnam
Marine Amphibious ForceMarine Forces, Atlantic
Mutual Defense Assistance Program
Middle East, Africa south of the Sahara, and South Asia
Middle East, Africa south of the Sahara, South Asia,
Indian Ocean
Middle East Command
Major Force Program
Middle East Force
Military Information Support Operations
Memorandum of Policy
Military Sealift Command
Mutual Security Program
Military Traffic Management Command

N
NATO
NAVEASTLANTMEDNCA

North Atlantic Treaty Organization
US Naval Forces, Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean
National Command Authorities

134Appendix V

NMCSS
NORAD

National Military Command Structure System
North American Air Defense Command

O
OSD
OPCON
OPSDEPS

Office of the Secretary of Defense
operational control
Operations Deputies

P
PACAF
PACFLT
PACOM
PJBD
PSYOP

Pacific Air Forces
Pacific Fleet
Pacific Command
Permanent Joint Board on Defense
Psychological Operations

Q
QDR

Quadrennial Defense Review

R
RDF
RDJTF
REDCOM
ROK

Rapid Deployment Force
Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force
Readiness Command
Republic of Korea

S
SAC
SACEUR
SDI
SHAEF
SIOP
SJFHQ-E
SJTF
SLOC
SO
SSTR
START

Strategic Air Command
Supreme Allied Commander, Europe
Strategic Defense Initiative
Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary ForceSingle Integrated Operational Plan
Standing Joint Task Force
Sea Lines of Communication
special operations
stability, security, transition, and reconstruction
Strategic Arms Reduction Talks
135

History of the Unified Command Plan 1946–2012

START IISTRACSTRICOMSUSMOAKSVTCStrategic Arms Reduction Talks II
Strategic Army Corps
Strike Command
Senior US Military Officer Assigned to Korea
secure video teleconference

T
TAC
TFS

Tactical Air Command
Tactical Fighter Squadrons

U
UCP
UNC
USACOM
USAFE
USAFRICOMUSARALUSAREURUSARPACUSARSOUSCENTCOMUSCINCCENT
USCINCEUR
USCINCJFCUSCINCNAVEURUSCINCREDUSCINCSOUSCINCSOC
USCINCSPACEUSCINCTRANS
USD (I)USELEMNORADUSEUCOMUSFETUSFORCARIBUSMACVUSNAVEURUSNORTHCOMUSREDCOM

Unified Command Plan
United Nations Command
US Atlantic Command
US Air Forces, Europe
US Africa Command
US Army Alaska
US Army Forces, Europe
US Army Pacific
US Army Forces, Southern Command
US Central Command
US Commander in Chief, Central Command
US Commander in Chief, Europe
US Commander in Chief, Joint Forces Command
US Commander in Chief, Naval Forces, Europe
US Commander in Chief, Readiness Command
US Commander in Chief, Southern Command
US Commander in Chief, Special Operations Command
US Commander in Chief, Space Command
US Commander in Chief, Transportation Command
Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence
US Element North American Aerospace Defense
US European Command
US Forces, European Theater
US Forces, Caribbean
US Military Assistance Command, Vietnam
US Naval Forces, Europe
US Northern Command
US Readiness Command

136

Appendix V

USSAG
USSOCOMUSSOUTHCOM
USSPACECOMUSSTRATCOM
USSTRICOMUSTRANSCOMUS Support Activities Group
US Special Operations Command
US Southern Command
US Space Command
US Strategic Command
US Strike Command
US Transportation CommandV
VIPR

US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico

W
WMD

Weapons of Mass Destruction

137Notes

Notes to Pages 9–16

1946–1977
1. (U) JCS 1259/7, 23 Mar 46, CCS 323.361 (2-26-45) sec 3.
2. (U) JCS 1259/27, 11 Dec 46; (U) Note by Secys on JCS 1259/27, 23 Jan 47; CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 4.
3. (U) Msg, WARX 87793, JCS to CINCUSARPAC et al., 16 Dec 46, CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 4.
4. (U) Msg, WARX 92711, JCS to CG USFET, 24 Feb 47, CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 5.
5. (U) JCS 1259/38, 6 Aug 47, CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 5.
6. (U) JCS 1259/41, 29 Sep 47, CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 6. (U) Msg, WARX 89419 to CINCLANTFLT, CG
CARIB, and Commander, US Naval Forces, Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, 30 Oct 47, same file, sec 7.
7. (U) JCS 1259/49, 6 Nov 47; (U) Dec On JCS 1259/49, 26 Nov 47; (U) Msg, WARX 91186, JCS to CINCLANTFLT, 26 Nov 47; CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 7.
8. National Security Act of 1947, PL 253, 80th Cong, 26 Jul 47.
9. “Functions of the Armed Forces and the Joint Chiefs of Staff,” Att to JCS 1478/23, 26 Apr 48, CCS 380(8-19-45) sec 8.
10. (U) Dec On JCS 1259/75, 30 Jun 48, CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 10. (U) Msg, WAR 84987, JCS to CINCEUR,
30 Jun 48, same file, sec 11.
11. (U) JCS 1259/78, 3 Jul 48; (U) Dec On JCS 1259/78, 7 Sep 48; CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 11.
12. (U) Msg, WARX 90049, JCS to CINCNELM, 29 Sep 48 (derived from JCS 1259/95), CCS 381 (1-24-42)
sec 13.
13. (U) Dec On JCS 1259/110, 4 Jan 49, CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 15. (U) Msg, WARX 877110, JCS to COMGEN SAC, 13 Apr 49, same file, sec 17.
14. (U) JCS 1259/106, 30 Nov 48, CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 14. (U) JCS 1259/112, 22 Dec 48; (U) JCS 1259/113,
22 Dec 48, same file, sec 15. (U) Memo, JCS to SecDef, 13 Apr 49 (derived from JCS 1259/136); (U) Memo, Actg
Chm. US Section PJBD to SecDef, 2 May 49; CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 17.
15. (U) Memo, US Section, PJBD to JCS, 28 Oct 49, CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 19. (U) Memo, US Section PJBD
to JCS, 13 Jun 50, Encl to JCS 1259/187, 16 Jun 50, same file, sec 21. (U) Msg, JCS 90097 to CINCNE and CINCLANT, 29 Aug 50 (derived from JCS 1259/189), same file, sec 22. (U) N/H to JCS 1259/189, 8 Sep 50, same file.
16. (U) Dec On JCS 1369/18, 23 May 49, CCS 383.21 Austria (1-21-44) sec 17. (U) JCS 1259/152, 7 Jun 49;(U) SM-1361-49 to CINCEUR, 18 Jul 49; CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 18.
17. (U) SM-75-51 to LTG Lauris Norstad, 11 Jan 51; (U) SM-76-51 to CINCs et al., 11 Jan 51; CCS 381(1-24-42) sec 22.
18. (U) JCS 1259/241, 30 Jun 52; (U) N/H of JCS 1259/241, 9 Jul 52; CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 30. (U) Msg, JCS
912973 to USLO SHAPE, 7 Jul 52, same file, sec 31.
19. (U) Msg, JCS 914580 to USLO SHAPE et al., 28 Jul 52 (derived from JCS 1259/244), CCS 381 (1-24-42)
sec 31. (U) Dec On JCS 1259/269, 2 Dec 52, same file, sec 36. (TS) Memo, SecDef to JCS, 15 Jul 52, Encl to JCS
1259/243, 16 Jul 52, same file, sec 31.
20. (U) Dec On JCS 521/49, 16 Feb 50, CCS 381 (2-8-43) sec 17.
21. (U) Dec On JCS 1259/185, 27 Apr 50, CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 21.
22. (U) Dec On JCS 1259/186, 18 Jul 50; (U) Msg, JCS 86348 to CINCARIB and CINCLANT, 18 Jul 50;
CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 21. (U) Msg, JCS 89412 to CINCARIB and CINCLANT, 22 Aug 50 (derived from JCS
1259/190), same file, sec 22.
23. (U) Dec On JCS 1259/200, 9 Apr 51, CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 24. (U) Dec On JCS 1259/218, 22 Dec 51;
N/H of JCS 1259/218, 7 Mar 52; same file, sec 27.
24. (U) Dec On JCS 1259/218, 22 Dec 51; (U) N/H of JCS 1259/218, 24 Jan 52; CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 27.
25. James F. Schnabel, US Army in the Korean War, Policy and Direction: The First Year, pp. 46–48.
26. (U) Memo, JCS to SecDef, 24 Dec 52 (derived from JCS 1259/270), CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 37.
27. (C) Memo, SecDef to JCS, 13 Feb 53, Encl to JCS 1259/278, 19 Feb 53, CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 38. (U)Memo, JCS to SecDef, 17 Jun 53, Encl to Dec On JCS 1259/281, 17 Jun 53, same file, sec 39. (C) Memo, ActgSecDef
to JCS, 30 Jun 53, Encl to JCS 1259/287, 2 Jul 53, same file, sec 40. (U) SM-1419-53 to CINCAL et al., 24 Jul 53(derived from JCS 1259/292), same file, sec 41.

141

Notes to Pages 17–22
28. Special Message to the Congress Transmitting Reorganization Plan 6 of 1953, 30 Apr 53, Public Papersof the Presidents, Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1953, pp. 229–230.
29. DOD Directive 5100.1, 16 Mar 54. (U) Memo, SecDef to SecArmy et al., 15 Jan 54, corrected and reissued on 5 Mar 54 in JCS 1259/317, 12 Mar 54, CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 47.
30. (U) Msg, JCS 959318 to CINCPAC, 2 Apr 54, Encl to Dec On JCS 1259/315, 2 Apr 54, CCS 381 (1-24-42)
sec 47. (U) JCS 1259/322, 9 Jun 54, same file, sec 48.
31. (U) JCS 1899/100, 25 Jan 54, CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 46. (U) JCS 1899/133, 19 Jul 54, same file, sec 49.
(U) Memo, JCS to SecDef, 26 Jul 54 (derived from JCS 1899/135), same file, sec 50.
32. (U) Memo, JCS to SecDef, 26 Jul 54 (derived from JCS 1899/135); N/H of JCS 1899/135, 4 Aug 54; CCS
381 (1-24-42) sec 50.
33. (U) SM-688-54 to CSA et al., 2 Aug 54, CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 50.
34. (U) Memo, JCS to SecDef, 18 Feb 55 (derived from JCS 1259/337); (U) Memo, SecDef to JCS, 2 Mar
55; (U) N/H of JCS 1259/337, 10 Mar 55; (U) SM-180-55 to CINCAL et al., 9 Mar 55; CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 53.
35. (U) Memo, JCS to SecDef, 5 Jun 56 (derived from JCS 1899/265 and JCS 1899/268); (C) Memo, SecDef
to CJCS, 19 Jun 56, Encl to JCS 1899/274, 26 Jun 56; CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 61. (U) JCS 1899/281, 15 Aug 56; (U)N/H to JCS 1899/281, 5 Sep 56; same file, sec 62; (U) SM-716-56 to CINCONAD, 4 Sep 56, same file, sec 63.
36. (U) Memo, JCS to SecDef, 4 Jun 56 (derived from JCS 1259/348), CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 61.
37. (C) Memo, SecDef to CJCS, Encl to JCS 1259/357, 21 Jun 56; (C) N/H of JCS 1259/357, 23 Jul 56; (U)Msg, JCS 905628 to USCINCEUR, 28 Jun 56, Encl to JCS 1259/356, 28 Jun 56; (U) SM-551-56 to Chm, Canadian
Chiefs of Staff, 3 Jul 56 (derived from JCS 1259/359); CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 61.
38. (S) Memo, JCS to SecDef, 28 Dec 56, Encl to JCS 1259/378, 31 Dec 56; (S) Memo, DepSecDef to CJCS,
16 Jan 57, Encl JCS 1259/380, 1 Feb 57; CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 69.
39. (U) N/H of JCS 1259/377, 22 Apr 57, CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 68. (U) JCS 1259/407, 14 Jan 58; (U) N/H
of JCS 1259/407, 15 Jan 58; same file, sec 77.
40. (C) Memo, JCS to SecDef, 29 May 57 (derived from JCS 1259/394); (C) N/H to JCS 1259/394, 24 Oct
57; CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 73. (C) Memo, JCS to SecDef, 11 Oct 57 (derived from JCS 1259/402); (C) SM-479-57
to CINCAL et al., 24 Oct 57; same file, sec 76.
41. (U) NORAD Historical Reference Paper No. 11, “Nineteen Years of Air Defense,” 1 May 65, pp. 48-55.
(TS) JCS 1541/132, 10 Jan 58; (C) Msg, JCS 943043 to CINCNORAD, 10 Jan 58; CCS 092 (9-10-45) sec 47.
42. “Special Message to the Congress on Reorganization of the Defense Establishment,” 3 Apr 58, Public
Papers of the Presidents, Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1958, pp. 274–283. DOD Reorganization Act of 1958, PL 85-599,
85th Cong, 6 Aug 58.
43. DOD Directive 5100.1, 31 Dec 58.
44. (U) Memo, JCS to SecDef, 18 Aug 58 (derived from JCS 1977/55), CCS 040 (11-2-43) sec 25. (C) Memo,
SecDef to CJCS, 4 Sep 58, Encl to JCS 1259/421, 5 Sep 58, CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 80. (C) SM-643-58 to CINCALet al., 8 Sep 58; same file, sec 81.
45. (C) JCSM-29-59 to SecDef, 26 Jan 59 (derived from JCS 1259/452); (U) Memo, SecDef to CJCS, 2 Feb
59, Encl to JCS 1259/455, 5 Feb 59; JMF 5160 (24 Jan 59).
46. (C) JCS 1259/490, 19 Aug 59; (C) JCS 1259/496, 20 Oct 59; JMF 5060 (17 Aug 59). (C) JCSM-407-60 to
SecDef, 15 Sep 60 (derived from JCS 1259/516), JMF 5060 (15 Jul 60) sec 1. (C) Memo, SecDef to CJCS, 19 Jan 61,
Encl to JCS 1259/524, 26 Jan 61; (C) SM-105-61 to CINCAL et al., 4 Feb 61; same file, sec 2.
47. (C) Memo, DepSecDef to CJCS, 4 Sep 58, Encl to JCS 1259/421, 5 Sep 58, CCS 381 (1-24-42) sec 80. (S)Msg, JCS 955335 to USCINCEUR and CINCNELM, 20 Feb 59; (S) Msgs, USCINCEUR to JCS, 251310Z Feb 59
and 041010Z Apr 59; (S) Msg, CINCNELM to JCS, 271301Z Feb 59; JMF 5020 (20 Feb 59). (TS) JCSM-272-59 to
SecDef, 15 Jul 59, (derived from JCS 1977/92), JMF 5050 (29 May 59).
48. (C) Memo, CNO to JCS, 12 Aug 59, Att to JCS 1259/487, 12 Aug 59; (U) N/H of JCS 1259/487, 15 Sep
59; JMF 5167 (12 Aug 59). (C) CSAFM-528-59 to JCS, 19 Nov 59, Encl to JCS 1977/101, 23 Nov 59; (TS) Memo,
CNO to JCS, 30 Nov 59, Encl to JCS 1977/102, 21 Dec 59; JMF 5020 (29 May 59).
49. (C) CJCS Paper, “Proposed Interim Solution on Middle East Command Arrangements,” 30 Jan 60; (C)Memo, DepSecDef to CJCS, 3 Feb 60, Encl to JCS 1259/500, 6 Feb 60; JMF 5167 (3 Feb 60) sec 1.
142Notes to Pages 22–27
50. (C) Briefing Sheet for CJCS, “JCS 2262/63,” 3 Jan 61, JMF 5162 (30 Dec 60). (S) Memo, SecDef to CJCS,
13 Mar 61, Encl to JCS 1259/528, 16 Mar 61, JMF 5160 (16 Jul 60) sec 2.
51. (C) Briefing Sheet for CJCS, “JCS 1259/540,” 26 Jun 61; (C) Memo, CNO to JCS, 7 Jul 61, Att to JCS
1259/543, 7 Jul 61; (U) CSAFM-220-61 to JCS, 8 Jul 61, Encl to JCS 1259/544, 8 Jul 61; (S) Memo, BG Brown to
SJCS, 11 Jul 61, Encl to JCS 1259/545, 12 Jul 61; JMF 5162 (20 Jun 61).
52. (S) Msg, CINCLANT to JCS, 231916Z Apr 61, JMF 5162 (23 Apr 61). (C) Briefing Sheet for CJCS, “JCS
1259/540,” 26 Jun 61; (C) Memo, CNO to JCS, 7 Jul 61, Att to JCS 1259/543, same date; (U) CSAFM-220-61 to
JCS, 8 Jul 61, Encl to JCS 1259/544, same date; (S) Memo, BG Brown to SJCS, 11 Jul 61, Encl to JCS 1259/545, 12
Jul 61; JMF 5162 (20 Jun 61). (C) Msg, JCS 1081 to CINCLANT, 9 Aug 61; JMF 5162 (23 Apr 61).
53. (S) CINCLANT Historical Account of Cuban Crisis: 1962, pp. 17–23.
54. (U) Memo, CNO to JCS, 21 Dec 62, Encl to JCS 1259/607, 22 Dec 62, JMF 5160 (21 Dec 62). (U) JCS
1259/676, 19 Dec 66, JMF 5100 (9 Jun 66).
55. (S) CINCLANT Historical Report, 1965, p. 21.
56. (U) Memo, SecDef to CJCS et al., 8 Mar 61, Encl to JCS 2101/413, 10 Mar 61, JMF 5000 (8 Mar 61) sec 1.
57. (C) JCSM-292-61 to SecDef, 1 May 61 (derived from JCS 1259/535), JMF 3140 (11 Apr 61) sec 1. (S) JCSM549-61 to SecDef, 18 Aug 61 (derived from JCS 1259/547); (S) CM-335-61 to SecDef, 18 Aug 61; same file, sec 4.
58. (U) Memo, SecDef to CJCS, 19 Sep 61, Att to JCS 1259/552, 19 Sep 61, JMF 3140 (11 Apr 61) sec 4.
59. (U) JCSM-815-61 to SecDef, 5 Dec 61 (derived from JCS 1259/571); (C) SM 461-61 to SecDef, 5 Dec
61; (U) Memo, SecDef to CJCS, 7 Dec 61, Att to 1st N/H of JCS 1259/571, 8 Dec 61; JMF 5170 (17 Oct 61). (U) 3rd
N/H of SM-105-61, 2 Oct 62, JMF 5160 (15 Jul 60) sec 2.
60. (U) CM-171-62 to DJS, 18 Dec 62, Encl to JCS 1259/604, 19 Dec 62, JMF 5160 (18 Dec 62) sec 1.
61. (S) JCSM-496-63 to SecDef, 12 Jul 63 (derived from JCS 1259/634-5); (S) CM-736-63 to SecDef, 12 Jul
63; JMF 5160 (18 Dec 62) sec 5.
62. (U) Memo, SecDef to CJCS, 16 Aug 63, Att to JCS 1259/634-6, 17 Aug 63, JMF 5160 (18 Dec 62) sec 5. (U)Memo, SecDef to Pres, 31 Oct 63, Att to JCS 1259/634-24, 1 Nov 63, same file, sec 8. (U) SM-1400-63 to CINCALet al., 20 Nov 63, JMF 5160 (11 Oct 63). (C) SM-1132-63 to CINCAL et al., 17 Sep 63, JMF 5160 (18 Dec 62) sec 7.
63. (C) JCSM-719-63 to SecDef, 17 Sep 63 (derived from JCS 1259/634-12), JMF 5160 (18 Dec 62) sec 6.
(C) Memo, SecDef to CJCS, 10 Oct 63, same file, sec 7. (C) JCSM-800-63 to SecDef, 15 Oct 63 (derived from JCS
1259/634-18); (C) JCS 1259/645, 20 Nov 63; JMF 5160 (11 Oct 63).
64. (S) LTC W. M. Glasgow, Operations Dragon Rouge and Dragon Noir, 1965. (S) USAFE Actions in the
Middle East Crisis: June 1967, pp. 9–10.
65. (C) JCSM-627-62 to SecDef, 17 Aug 62 (derived from JCS 1259/595); (C) Memo, MilAsst to SecDef to CJCS,
24 Aug 62, Encl to JCS 1259/596, 28 Aug 62; (U) Memo, SecDef to CJCS, 1 May 63, Encl to JCS 1259/625, 3 May
63; (U) JCS Info Memo 20-63, 11 Jan 63; JMF 5160 (24 Apr 62). (C) JCS 1259/645, 20 Nov 63, JMF 5160 (11 Oct 63).
66. (S) JCSM-533-63 to SecDef, 15 Jul 63 (derived from JCS 2283/285-1); (TS) JCS 2283/285, 27 Jun 63; JMF
3213 (25 Feb 63). (U) NORAD Historical Reference Paper No. 11, “Nineteen Years of Air Defense,” 1 May 65, p. 76.
67. (TS) Memo, SecDef to CJCS, 29 Jul 63, Encl to JCS 2282/285-2, 31 Jul 63, JMF 3213 (25 Feb 63). (C) JCS
1259/645, 20 Nov 63, JMF 5160 (11 Oct 63).
68. (TS) JCS Historical Division, The Joint Chiefs of Staff and the War in Vietnam, 1960–1968, pp. 3–16, 3–17.
69. MG George S. Ekhardt, Vietnam Studies: Command and Control (1974), p. 58. (S) CINCPAC and
COMUSMACV, Report on the War in Vietnam (1968), p. 145.
70. Ekhardt, Command and Control, pp. 50–51.
71. (S) CINCPAC and COMUSMACV, Report on the War in Vietnam (1968), pp. 135–136.
72. (TS) CINCPAC Command History, 1965, pp. 327–328. (C) CINCPAC and COMUSMACV, Report on
the War in Vietnam, p. 31.
73. (TS) History of the Strategic Air Command, 1965, p. 201. (TS) The Joint Chiefs of Staff and the War in
Vietnam, 1960–1968, pp. 34–1, 34–2.
74. (U) SM-427-67 to CINCONAD, 17 Jun 67 (derived from JCS 1259/680-1), JMF 043 (7 Apr 67).
75. (S) SM-106-70 to USCINCSTRIKE/USCINCMEAFSA, 18 Feb 70 (derived from JCS 1259/712-3), JMF
047 (10 Jul 69).
143

Notes to Pages 27–34
76. Blue Ribbon Defense Panel, Report to the President and the SecDef, 1 Jul 70, pp. 46–53.
77. Ibid., pp. 212–214.
78. (C) Memo, DepSecDef to Secys of MilDepts et al., 12 Sep 69, Att to JCS 1259/715, 15 Sep 69, JMF 046(12 Sep 69) sec 1. (S) Memo, DepSecDef to Secys of MilDepts et al., 2 Mar 70, Att to JCS 1259/715-12, 2 Mar 70,
same file, sec 4. (TS) JCSM-120-70, 19 Mar 70, Encl A to JCS 1259/715-14, 16 Mar 70, same file, sec 5.
79. (S) Memo, DepSecDef to Secys of MilDepts et al., 21 May 70, Att to JCS 1259/715-15, 22 May 70, JMF
046 (12 Sep 69) sec 5. (S) JCSM-432-70 to SecDef, 4 Sep 70, Encl to JCS 1259/715-21, 4 Sep 70; (S) Memo, DepSecDef to CJCS, 14 Sep 70, Att to JCS 1259/715-22, 16 Sep 70; (C) JCSM-530-70 to SecDef, 15 Nov 70, App to JCS
1259/715-27, 12 Nov 70, same file, sec 7.
80. (C) JCSM-530-70 to SecDef, 15 Nov 70, App to JCS 1259/715-27, 12 Nov 70, JMF 046 (12 Sep 69) sec 7.
81. (TS) Memo, DepSecDef to Pres, 5 Mar 71, Att to JCS 1259/715-34, 9 Mar 71, JMF 046 (12 Sep 69) sec 9.
82. (TS) Memo, Pres to DepSecDef, 21 Apr 71, att to JCS 1259/715-42, 22 Apr 71; (C) Memo, DepSecDef
to CJCS et al., 19 Jun 71, Att to JCS 1259/715-45, 21 Jun 71; (C) SM-422-71 to CINCs, 30 Jun 71 (derived from
JCS 1259/715-46); JMF 046 (12 Sep 69) sec 10.
83. (S) USCINCRED Command History, 1972, (C), pp. 1–1, 1–3.
84. (TS) USCINCEUR Command History, 1971, p. 16. (TS) CINCPAC Command History, 1971, (U) p. 41.
(C) SM-422-71 to CINCs, 30 Jun 71 (derived from JCS 1259/715-46), JMF 046 (12 Sep 69) sec 10.
85. (C) Memo, DepSecDef to CJCS et al., 21 Jul 71, Att to JCS 1259/715-51, 23 Jul 71, JMF 046 (12 Sep 69)
sec 12. (C) SM-422-71 to CINCs, 30 Jun 71 (derived from JCS 1259/715-46), same file, sec 10. (S) SM-377-71 to
CNO, CINCAL, and CINCPAC, 8 Jun 71 (derived from JCS 1259/730-1), JMF 378 (28 May 71). (S) CINCAL
Command History, 1971, (C) p. 3.
86. (TS) CINCPAC Command History, 1973, pp. 4, 47–48. (TS) CINCPAC Command History, 1975, (U) p. 36.
87. (C) JCSM-174-73 to SecDef, 24 Apr 73, Encl A to JCS 1259/752-1, 18 Apr 73, JMF 043 (18 Dec 72) sec
1. (U) JCSM-367-73 to SecDef, 17 Aug 73, Encl A to JCS 1259/752-5, 18 Aug 73, same file, sec 2. (S) CINCONAD
Command History, 1 Jan 73–30 Jun 74, (C) pp. 2-12.
88. (U) Memo, SecDef to CJCS et al., 5 Oct 73, Att to JCS 1977/365, 6 Oct 73, JMF 010 (5 Oct 73) sec 1. (C)JCSM-536-73 to SecDef, 28 Dec 73, Encl A to JCS 1977/365-22, 21 Dec 73, same file, sec 4.
89. (S) CSAM-12-74 to JCS, 4 Feb 74, Att to JCS 1259/758-1, 4 Feb 74, JMF 040 (11 Jan 74) sec 1. (S)USCINCSO Command History, 1974, (U) p. 27. (TS) CINCPAC Command History, 1974, (C) p. 41. (TS) CINCPAC
Command History, 1975, (U) p. 34. (S) CINCAL Command History, 1975, (C) p. 3.
90. (S) CSAM-3-74 to JCS, 11 Jan 74, Att to JCS 1259/758, 15 Jan 74, JMF 040 (11 Jan 74) sec 1.
91. (C) JCSM-81-74 to SecDef, 19 Mar 74; (C) CM-1361-74 to SecDef, 19 Mar 74; Encls to JCS 1259/758-5,
19 Mar 74, JMF 040 (11 Jan 74) sec 2.
92. (C) Memo, SecDef to CJCS et al., 3 Sep 74, Att to JCS 1259/758-8, 6 Sep 74, JMF 040 (11 Jan 74) sec 2.
93. (C) JCSM-411-74 to SecDef, 15 Oct 74, Encl A to JCS 1259/758-9, 24 Sep 74, JMF 040 (11 Jan 74) sec
2. (C) Memo, SecDef to Pres, 17 Dec 74, Att to JCS 1259/758-31, 20 Dec 74, same file, sec 8. (C) Memo, Pres to
SecDef, 24 Feb 75, Att to JCS 1259/758-37, 25 Feb 74, same file, sec 11.
94. (C) Memo, MilAsst to SecDef to DepSpecAsst to Pres for NSA, 21 Apr 75, Att to JCS 1259/758-41, 8
May 75; (C) Memo, SecDef to CJCS et al., 6 Jun 75, Att to JCS 1259/758-42, 10 Jun 75; JMF 040 (11 Jan 74) sec 11.
95. (C) SM-356-75 to CINCs et al., 27 Jun 75 (derived from JCS 1259/758-43), JMF 040 (11 Jan 74) sec 11.
96. (S) CINCAD Command History, 1 Jul–31 Dec 75, (U) p. 1. (S) CINCAL Command History, 1975, (C) p.
1. (S) USCINCSO Command History, 1975, (U) pp. 2, 32-33. (C) JCSM-400-75 to SecDef, 7 Nov 75, Encl to JCS
1259/758-45, 24 Oct 75, JMF 040 (11 Jan 74) sec 12. (C) Msg, JCS 4474 to USCINCRED, 8 Oct 75 (derived from
JCS 1259/771), JMF 981/340 (10 Sep 75).
97. (C) JCS 1259/758-35, 18 Feb 75; (C) Msg, JCS 9810 to CINCPAC, 23 Apr 75 (derived from JCS 1259/75838); JMF 040 (11 Jan 74) sec 11. (C) JCSM-483-74 to SecDef, 20 Dec 74, Encl to JCS 1259/758-31, 9 Dec 74, same
file, sec 6.
98. (C) Memo, SecDef to CJCS et al., 22 Oct 75, Att to JCS 1259/758-44, 24 Oct 75, JMF 040 (11 Jan 74) sec 12.
99. (C) JCSM-494-74 to SecDef, 28 Dec 74, Encl B to JCS 1259/758-33, 28 Dec 74, JMF 040 (11 Jan 74) sec 9.
100. (C) Memo, SecDef to CJCS et al., 22 Oct 75, Att to JCS 1259/758-44, 24 Oct 75; (C) JCSM-403-75 to144

Notes to Pages 34–41
SecDef, 10 Nov 75, Encl to JCS 1259/758-46, 31 Oct 75; JMF 040 (11 Jan 74) sec 12. (C) Memo, SecDef to CJCS, 23
Mar 76, Att to JCS 1259/758-66, 24 Mar 76; (C) Msg, JCS 2290 to CINCs, 2 Apr 76 (derived from JCS 1259/75867), same file, sec 16. (C) 1st N/H of SM-356-75, 1 May 76, same file, sec 11.
101. (S) PCDM, SecDef to SecAF, 29 Jul 74, Att to JCS 2458/902-1, 31 Jul 74, JMF 557 (25 Feb 75) sec 2.
102. (U) Memo, SecAF to ASD(PA&E), n.d., Encl to Att to JCS 2165/101-2, 27 Mar 75, JMF 445 (22 Nov
74) sec 1. (U) JCSM-333-75 to SecDef, 12 Nov 75; (U) CM-672-75 to SecDef, 12 Nov 75; Encls to JCS 2165/101-3,
12 May 76, same file.
103. (U) Memo, DepSecDef to CJCS et al., 9 Jun 76, Att to JCS 2165/101-7, 11 Jun 76, JMF 445 (22 Nov 74)
sec 2. (C) JCSM-240-76 to SecDef, 2 Jul 76, Encl to JCS 1259/780, 21 Jun 76; (C) Memo, Asst to Pres for NSA to
SecDef, 13 Dec 76, Att to JCS 1259/780-2, 15 Dec 76; 040 (11 Jan 74) sec 17. (C) 2nd N/H of SM-356/75, 18 Jan
77, same file,. sec 11.

1977–1983
1. Rpt, “National Military Command Structure” (Steadman Report), Jul 78, JCS 1977/409, U, JMF 010 (13Jul 78). Also see JCS 1259/844, 15 Jan 79, U, JMF 040 (15 Jan 79).
2. JCSM-290-78 to SecDef, 1 Sep 78, JCS 1977/409-5, S, JMF 010 (13 Jul 78) sec 2. JCS MOP 181, 29 Jan 79,
JCS 1259/844, JMF 040 (15 Jan 79).
3. SM-356-75 to CINCs et al., 27 Jun 75, C, JMF 040 (11 Jun 74) sec 11. USSOUTHCOM Historical Report,
1979, S-NOFORN, p. 6.
4. Ltr, USCINCSO to JCS, 8 Sep 78, JCS 1259/828, S-NOFORN, JMF 040 (8 Sep 78).
5. Ltr, USAF DCSOPS to DJS, “Air Defense of the Panama Canal (U),” 25 Sep 78, S-NOFORN; Memo,ASD (ISA), to SecDef, “Air Defense of Panama Canal (U),” 28 Sep 78, S-NOFORN; Memo, Vice DepDir, I&R,
DIA, to Dir J-5, “Air Defense of the Panama Canal (U),” 20 Oct 78, S; SM-1011-78 to USCINCSO, 15 Dec 78, JCS
1259/828, S; JMF 040 (8 Sep 78).
6. Msg, CINCLANT to JCS, 171806Z Feb 80, S, J-5/G&OP Files.
7. JCS Hist Div, History of the UCP, 20 Dec 77, C, pp. 20, 23, 27-29.
8. JCS 2121/232, 2 Dec 76, C, JMF 821 (2 Dec 76). CINCPAC Command History, 1977, TS-NOFORN, pp.
93-94, 135-137.
9. JCS 2121/232, 2 Dec 76, C, JMF 821 (2 Dec 76). CSAM 88-77 to JCS, 27 Nov 77, JCS 1259/800, 5 Dec 77,
C, JMF 040 (5 Dec 77).
10. JCS 1259/800-2, 6 Nov 78, C, JMF 040 (5 Dec 77).
11. JCSM-331-78 to SecDef, 28 Nov 78, JCS 1259/800-2, S, JMF 040 (5 Dec 77).
12. International Institute for Strategic Studies, Strategic Survey 1973 (London), pp. 30–31. RDJTF Command History, 1980 (vol. III of USREDCOM History, 1980), S, pp. v–vii, I–1, II–1. JCSM-270-79 to SecDef, 29 Aug
79, JCS 1887/847-1, C, JMF 370 (29 Aug 79).
13. Memo, SecDef to CJCS, 22 Jun 79, JCS 1887/847, C, JMF 370 (29 Aug 79). RDJTF Command History,
1980 (vol. III of USREDCOM History, 1980), S, pp. vi–vii, and II–1.
14. JCSM-270-79 to SecDef, 29 Aug 79, S; JCS 1887/849, 29 Aug 79, U; JMF 370 (29 Aug 79).
15. Memo, SecDef to CJCS, 22 Oct 79, JCS 1887/849-1, C, JMF 370 (29 Aug 79).
16. SM-718-79 to CSA et al., 29 Nov 79, JCS 1887/849-2, C, JMF 370 (29 Aug 79). RDJTF Command History,
1980 (vol. III of USREDCOM History, 1980), S, pp. II–1–II–2.
17. President Carter, State of the Union Address, 23 Jan 80, Public Papers of the Presidents: Jimmy Carter,
1980 (1981), pp. 197–198.
18. Memo, Asst to Pres for NSA to SecDef, 25 Jan 80, JCS 1259/879, S, JMF 040 (25 Jan 80).
19. Memo, DCS Plans and Policies, USMC, to Dir, J-5, 15 Feb 80, S; Memo, Army OpsDep to DJS, 8 Feb
80, S; Msg, USCINCRED to Dir, J-5, 151512Z Feb 80, S; J-5/G&OP Files.
20. JCSM-59-80 to SecDef, 1 Mar 80, JCS 1259/881, S, JMF 040 (29 Feb 80). RDJTF Command History,

145

Notes to Pages 42–49
1980 (vol. III of USREDCOM History, 1980), S, pp. iv and I–4.
21. USEUCOM Historical Report, 1980, TS-NOFORN, pp. 197–198. CINCPAC Command History, 1980,
TS-NOFORN, p. 28. Pt. Paper for CJCS for Mtg with JCS on 12 Dec 80, S; Memo, Army OpsDep to DJS, 10 Dec
80, JCS 1259/905, S; JMF 040 (10 Dec 80). COL Gerald A. Holt, USA, J-5/G&OP Div, interviewed by Dr. R. H.
Cole, 19 Sep 84, C, JCS Hist Div Files.
22. Msg, USCINCLANT to JCS, 171806Z Feb 80, S, J-5/G&OP Files.
23. Msg, USCINCSO to JCS, 152010Z Apr 80, JCS IN 67804, C, J-5/ G&OP Files.
24. JCS 1976/648, 25 Jun 81, S, JMF 922 (25 Jun 81). USSOUTHCOM Historical Report, 1981, S-NOFORN,
p. 49. Memo, Army OpsDep to DJS, 10 Dec 80, JCS 1259/905, S, JMF 040 (10 Dec 80).
25. Briefing Paper for SecDef for SecDef/JCS Mtg on 9 Jun 81, n.d., JCS 1259/905, S, JMF 040 (10 Dec 80).
JCS 1976/648, 25 Jun 81, S, JMF 922 (25 Jun 81).
26. Note to AMD, “JCS 1976/648,” 19 Jun 81, S; JCS 1976/648, 25 Jun 81, S, JMF 922 (25 Jun 81).
27. Ann. to JCSM-274-81 to SecDef, 9 Sep 81, JCS 1976/648, S, JMF 922 (25 Jun 81).
28. Notes to AMD, “JCS 1976/648,” 26 Jun and 17 Jul 81, S; JMF 922 (25 Jun 81).
29. JCSM-274-8 and CM-1036-81 to SecDef, 9 Sep 81, JCS 1976/648, S, JMF 922 (25 Jun 81). JCS 1259/948,
26 Feb 82, S, JMF 040 (26 Feb 82).
30. Memo, SecDef to CJCS, 6 Oct 81, JCS 1976/648, S, JMF 922 (25 Jun 81). CINCLANT Historical Report,
1981, S, pp. VIII–4 and VIII–5. Memo, Pres to SecDef, 12 Apr 82, JCS 1259/948, S, JMF 040 (26 Feb 82). 4th N/Hof JCS 1259/758-43, 30 Jul 82, C, JMF 040 (11 Jan 74) sec 11.
31. Memo, SecDef to CJCS, 24 Apr 81, JCS 1259/920, S, JMF 915/040 (24 Apr 81).
32. Msg, JCS 091303Z Jul 81 to COMRDJTF, TS, cited in JCS 2513/33-l, 30 Oct 81, TS, JMF 865/470 (3Sep 81).
33. JCSM-201-81 to SecDef, 18 May 81, JCS 1259/920-1, TS, JMF 915/040 (24 Apr 81).
34. JCSM-255-81 to SecDef, 6 Jul 81, JCS 2529/24, S, JMF 036 (18 Jun 81). Memo, SecDef to CJCS, 6 Aug
81, JCS 2529/24-1, S, same file, sec 2.
35. JCSM-331-81 to SecDef, 23 Sep 81, JCS 2529/24-2, S, JMF 036 (18 Jun 81) sec 2. That same date the
Joint Chiefs of Staff distributed the approved terms of reference, including Egypt and Sudan in the AOR, to theServices and the CINCs. Also see SM-661-81 to CSA et al., 28 Sep 81, JCS 2529/24-2, S, JMF 036 (18 Jun 81) sec 2.
36. USEUCOM Historical Report, 1981, 1 Jul 82, TS, p. 104. SM-765-81 to CSA et al., 6 Nov 81, JCS 2513/33-1,
S, JMF 865/470 (3 Sep 81). JCS 1259/960, 25 May 82, S, JMF 040 (25 May 82). Memo, SecDef to CJCS, 25 Jan 82,
JCS 1259/920-13, S, JMF 915/040 (24 Apr 81) sec 2. RDJTF Command History, 1982, S, pp. 79–82.
37. Msgs, JCS to CSA et al., 152130Z Apr 82, S; CINCLANT to JCS, 132007Z May 82, S; CINCPAC to JCS,
172130Z May 82, S; J-5/G&OP Files.
38. JCSM-124-82 to SecDef, 26 May 82, JCS 2533/3, S, JMF 036 (26 May 82). Memo, SecDef to Pres, “Unified Command Structure for Southwest Asia,” 23 Jun 82, C, JMF 036 (9 Nov 82). RDJTF Command History,
1982, S, p. 5.
39. CNOM 57-82 to JCS, 13 Sep 82, JCS 2529/51, S; CMCM 06-82 to JCS, 10 Nov 82, JCS 2529/51, S; JMF
036 (13 Sep 82).
40. JCS 1259/960, 25 May 82, S, JMF 040 (25 May 82). RDJTF Command History, 1982, S, p. 75. Memo,
Pres to SecDef, “Unified Command for Southwest Asia,” 2 Dec 82, C, J-5/G&OP Files.
41. 6th N/H of SM-356-75, 10 Dec 82, C, JMF 040 (11 Jan 74) sec 11.
42. RDJTF Command History, 1982, S, pp. 5 and 75. CINCPAC Command History, 1982, TS-NOFORN, p. 28.
43. CINCPAC Command History, 1982, TS-NOFORN, p. 30.
44. Msgs, JCS to CSA et al., 152130Z Apr 82, S; CINCLANT to JCS, 132007Z May 82, S; USCINCSO to
JCS, 151800Z May 82, S; CINCPAC to JCS, 172130Z May 82, S; J-5/G&OP Files.
45. Memo, Army OpsDep to DJS, 20 Sep 82, JCS 1259/970, U, JMF 040 (20 Sep 82).
46. Msg, USCINCSO to JCS, 050320Z Oct 82, S, J-5/G&OP Files.
47. Memo, Army OpsDep to DJS, 15 Nov 82, JCS 1259/982, S, JMF 040 (15 Nov 82). CM-1036-81 to SecDef,
9 Sep 81, JCS 1976/648, S, JMF 922 (25 Jun 81).
48. Memo, Army OpsDep to DJS, 15 Nov 82, JCS 1259/982, S, JMF 040 (15 Nov 82).
146

Notes to Pages 49–58
49. Msg, JCS to CINCAD et al., 262309Z Nov 82, S, J-5/G&OP Files.
50. Msgs, USCINCRED to JCS, 081715Z Dec 82, S; USCINCEUR to JCS, 101728Z Dec 82, S; CINCLANT
to JCS, 152330Z Dec 82, S; J-5/G&OP Files.
51. Msgs, USCINCEUR to JCS, 101728Z Dec 82, S; CINCLANT to JCS, 152330Z Dec 82, S; J-5/G&OP Files.
52. Msgs, USCINCRED to JCS, 081715Z Dec 82, S; USCINCEUR to JCS, 101728Z Dec 82, S; CINCLANT
to JCS, 152330Z Dec 82, S; J-5/G&OP Files.
53. Msgs, JCS to USCINCSO and CINCLANT, 232313Z Dec 82, S; USCINCSO to JCS, 302330Z Dec 82,
S; J-5/G&OP Files.
54. Msg, USCINCSO to JCS, 302330Z Dec 82, S, J-5/G&OP Files.
55. Msg, CINCLANT to JCS, 310013Z Dec 82, S, J-5/G&OP Files.
56. Although the UCP does not mention the Mongolian People’s Republic by name, the map clearly
includes it in CINCPAC’s area. Interviews of J-5 officers verified that Mongolia had been assigned to USCINCPAC
in the new UCP.
57. JCSM-129-83 to SecDef, 2 May 83, JCS 1259/994, S, JMF 040 (8 Apr 83).
58. Memo, SecDef to CJCS, 28 Jul 83, JCS 1259/994-1, S; Memo, SecDef to CJCS, 3 Oct 83, JCS 1259/994-2,
S; JMF 040 (8 Apr 83).
59. Msg, JCS to CSA et al., 112122Z Oct 83, JCS 2542/15, U, JMF 040 (2 Sep 83). SM-729-83 to CSA et al.,28 Oct 83, C, JMF 040 (8 Apr 83).
60. SM-729-83 to CSA et al., 28 Oct 83, C, JMF 040 (8 Apr 83). JCS MOP 181 (1st Rev), 15 Feb 84, U, JMF
040 (15 Feb 84).

1983–1993
1. Two Directors of the Joint Staff tried, in 1984 and again in 1988, to launch broad reexaminations of the
UCP. Both times, little resulted beyond rearguments of old disputes. Memo, DJS to Dir, J-3, Dir, J-5, and DepDir,
J-2, 3 Oct 84, U; DJSM-2166-88 to USCINCLANT et al., 3 Oct 88, S; J-5 Organizational Policy Branch File. The
Directors were LTG Jack N. Merritt, USA, in 1984 and LTG Robert W. RisCassi, USA, in 1988.
2. CSAFM-5-83 to JCS, 7 Jun 83, JCS 2542/8, S, JMF 040 (7 Jun 83).
3. JCS 2542/8-3, 26 Oct 83, S, JMF 040 (7 Jun 83).
4. JCSM-296-83 to SecDef, 23 Nov 83, S, JCS 2542/8-3, JMF 040 (7 Jun 83). Ltr, Pres to SecDef, 20 Nov 84,
U, JCS 2542/76, JMF 043 (20 Nov 84).
5. JCSM-287-85 to SecDef, JCS 2542/101, S; Memo, SecDef to CJCS, 16 Sep 85, JCS 2542/101-2, C; JCSM275-86 to SecDef, 26 Nov 86, JCS 2542/101-10, C; Memo, SecDef to CJCS, 18 Dec 86, 1st N/H of JCS 2542/101-10,
31 Dec 86, U; JMF 040.1 (6 Jun 85) sec. 1. In 1992 USCINCSPACE started filling another function as the Service
component commander.
6. CSAFM-12-87 to JCS, 5 Aug 87, JCS 2542/205, S; JCSM-191-87 to SecDef, 18 Nov 87, JCS 2542/205-1, S;
JMF 481 (5 Aug 87). Memo, SecDef to CJCS, 9 Nov 87, JCS 2542/136-3, S, JMF 040 (15 Feb 86) sec. 2. US SpaceCommand: Command History, January 1987 to December 1988, pp. 148–153.
7. John W. Partin, Command History, HQ, USREDCOM/JDA, 1986–1987, vol. I, pp. P 38–39, U. “JCS Briefing for the President,” 1 Aug 86, S, J-5 Organizational Policy Branch File.
8. Partin, pp. P 50–53, U.
9. Partin, pp. P 56, 64–65, 68–73, 88–90, U. TelCon, W. S. Poole with Gen. Larry D. Welch, USAF (Ret.),25 Jan 94, U. Gen. Welch also commented that Title IV’s burdens turned out to be much less onerous than the
Air Force had expected. Memo, SecDef to CJCS, 9 Nov 87, JCS 2542/ 136-3, S; CM-1043-87 to SecDef, 19 Nov 87,
1st N/H of JCS 2542/136-3, S, JMF 040 (15 Feb 86) sec. 2.
10. JCSM-26-87 to SecDef, 18 Mar 87, JCS 2542/181, U; Memo, SecDef to Pres, 6 Apr 87, JCS 2542/181-3,
U; Memo, Pres to SecDef, 13 Apr 87, JCS 2542/181-3, U; JMF 047 (22 Jan 87). Tab E to Ann B to App to JCSM163-87 to SecDef, 24 Sep 87, JCS 2542/136-2, S, JMF 040 (15 Feb 87). Psychological warfare operations and civil

147

Notes to Pages 59–64
affairs functions were assigned to USSOCOM on 15 October.
11. US Transportation Command History, 18 Apr–31 Dec 87, p. 1, U. Memo, DepSecDef to CJCS et al., 30
Jun 81, JCS 1672/404, U; JCSM-284-81 to SecDef, 24 Jul 81, JCS 1672/404-1, U; JMF 444 (30 Jun 81).
12. An Interim Report to the President by the Blue Ribbon Commission on Defense Management, 28 Feb
86, p. 12. NSDD 219, 1 Apr 86, U.
13. Partin, vol. II, pp. P 12–19.
14. Ibid., pp. P 21–22, 38–39, 47–53.
15. CM-457-86 to SecDef, 1 Dec 86, U, J-5 Org Pol Branch File.
16. Memo, LTC Higgins to DASD (Admin), 8 Dec 86, U; Memo, DepSecDef to CJCS, “Recommendations
for a UTC,” 31 Dec 86, U; Memo, Pres to SecDef, “Establishment of the UTC,” 18 Apr 87, U; J-5 Org Pol Br File.
17. DJSM-1419-90 to DepUSCINCTRANS, 27 Dec 90, U; IP by CAPT Brown, “USTRANSCOM Charter,”n.d.; J-5 Org Pol Branch File. Memo, Mr. Addington to SecDef, 27 Dec 91, JCS 1672/447, S; MCDV-41-91 to DJS,
31 Dec 91, JCS 1672/447-1, U; OP-423 NDV No. 9-92 to Dir, J-4, 7 Feb 92, U; Memo, Mr. Addington to SecDef,
5 Feb 92, JCS 1672/447-3, U; Memo, SecDef to Svc Secys et al., 14 Feb 92, JCS 1672/449, U, JMF 047.3 (CY 92).
USCINCTRANS now also became Commander, Air Mobility Command.
18. P&IP, “Command Arrangements in Central/South America/Caribbean,” 19 Oct 84, S; “BG Schlossberg
OSD Brief 22 Sep 87,” S; Msg, CJCS to USCINCSO and USCINCLANT, 08245Z Jan 83, S; Msg, USCINCSO to
CJCS, 182243Z Jan 83, S; Msg, USCINCLANT to CJCS, 251000Z Jan 83, S; J-5 Org Pol Br File. JCSM-163-87 to
SecDef, 24 Sep 87, JCS 2542/136-2, S, JMF 040 (15 Feb 86) sec. 1. “Review of Unified and Specified Command
Headquarters,” D. J. Vander Schaff, Chmn, Feb 88, U; “Reply of the JCS and the CINCs to the Review of the
Unified and Specified Headquarters,” Jul 88, S; J-5 Org Pol Br File.
19. CSAFM-10-85 to JCS, 9 Sep 85, S, JMF 040 (15 Feb 86) sec. 4. JCSM-23-89 to SecDef, 9 Feb 89, JCS
2542/257, S; Memo, SecDef to Pres, “The UCP: Biennial Review and Revision,” 26 Jun 89, U; J-5 Org Pol Br File.
20. MFR by Col. J. A. Smith, “Proposed Northeast Asia Command,” 22 Feb 83, S; IP by LTC Crowell, 21
Dec 84, S; J-5 Org Pol Br File. JCSM-163-87 to SecDef, 24 Sep 87, JCS 2542/136-2, S, JMF 040 (15 Feb 86) sec. 1.
DJSM-229-90 to OpsDeps, 8 Mar 90, JCS 2542/324, S; AFODM 8-90 to DJS, 8 Mar 90, JCS 2542/324, S; NODM
7-90 to DJS, 26 Mar 90, JCS 2542/324-1, S; Memo, Army Ops Dep to DJS, 10 Apr 90, JCS 2542/324- 2, S; JMF
520 (CY 90).
21. AF Flimsy 9-87 to JCS, 26 Aug 87, S; CNOF-12-87 to JCS, 26 Aug 87, S; Notes to AMD, “JCS 2542/1362,” 28 Aug & 2 Sep 87, U; JCSM-163-87 to SecDef, 24 Sep 87, JCS 2542/136-2, S; JMF 040 (15 Feb 86) sec. 3.
22. DJSM-2166-88 to USCINCLANT et al., 3 Oct 88, S; J-5 PP 497-88, 7 Dec 88, U; Msg, USCINCCENT
to JCS, 261829Z Jan 89, S; PP, “USCINCSO UCP Issues,” n.d., C; Memo, Col. Conrad to Svc Planners, “Agenda
for 19 Jan 89 Planners’ Mtg,” 19 Jan 89, S; Note to Actions Div by SJS, “UCP Revision,” 3 Feb 89, S; Memo, Army
OpsDep to DJS, “Review of the UCP,” n.d. (2 Feb 89), S; Memo, USMC OpsDep to Dir, J-5, same subj., 2 Feb 89, C;
AF DepOpsDep 15-88 for DJS, 23 Dec 88, S; JCSM-23-89 to SecDef, 9 Feb 89, JCS 2542/257, S; Memo, SecDef to
Pres, “The UCP: Biennial Review and Revision,” 26 Jun 89, U; J-5 Org Pol Br File. The SecDef disapproved a JCS
recommendation that Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania be transferred from USEUCOM to USCENTCOM.
23. Memo by Thomas Julian for the Ad Hoc Wkg Gp on the UCP, “Summary of the Working Group
Meeting, 14 March,” 14 Mar 90, U, J-5 Org Pol Br File.
24. Bfg, “The Long Range Unified Command Plan,” 27 Aug 90, S; Memo, ‘Lee’ [Butler] to CJCS, “Unified
Command Plan,” n.d. (c. Nov 90), S; Tank Brief, “Unified Command Plan: A Long Range Concept,” 21 Nov 90,
S; J-5 IP by Lt Col Outlaw, “Current Status of UCP Revision,” 10 Jun 91, S; J-5 Org Pol Br File.
25. J-5 Bfg, “Unified Command Plan,” 9 Jul 91, S; J-5 Org Pol Br File. CAPT Paul Brown, USN, interviewed
by Walter S. Poole, 13 Jan 94.
26. MFR by CAPT Schneider, “Goldwater-Nichols DOD Reorganization Bill...,” 15 Sep 86, U, J-5 Org Pol
Br File. The Goldwater-Nichols Act mandated a biennial UCP review and specified ten issues that the first review
must address. JCSM-163-87 to SecDef, 24 Sep 87, JCS 2542/136-2, S, JMF 040 (15 Feb 86) sec. 1.
27. CAPT Paul Brown interviewed by Walter S. Poole, 28 Feb 94. Ltr, CINCSAC to CJCS, 9 Oct 90, SJS
2542/364, S, 373 (CY 90).
28. “USCINCSTRAT Organization (OP-65 Draft),” 8 Jan 91, U; J-5 Org Pol Br File.
148

Notes to Pages 65–73
29. Ltr, USCINCSPACE to CJCS, 8 Mar 91, S, J-5 Org Pol Br File.
30. Notes of JCS Mtg, n.d. (Jul 91), J-5 Org Pol Br File.
31. J-5 Working Papers, C; Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, 30 Sep 91, pp. 1348-1352.
32. Msg, CINCSAC to Jt Staff J-5, 272029Z Sep 91, S; UCP Update for DJ-5, 10 Oct 91, U, J-5 Org Pol Br File.
33. Ltr, USCINCSTRAT to CJCS, “USACOM Implementation Plan,” 16 Jun 93, U; CM-1757-93 to CJCS,
1 Jul 93, U; MCM-82-93 to USCINCLANT, CH 1, 21 Jul 93, U, J-5 Org Pol Br File. On 27 December 1993 theSecretary of Defense approved the “Forces for Unified Commands” document as part of implementation of therevised UCP.
34. DJSM-816-93 to USD(P), 2 Aug 93, U, J-5 Org Pol Br File.
35. “Tank Session on UCP,” 22 May 91, S; CAPT Paul Brown interview, 13 Jan 94. J-5 Org Pol Br File.
36. Bfg by LTG E. S. Leland, “Unified Command Plan,” 13 Aug 91, J-5 Working Papers, J-5 Org Pol Br
File, S; Memo, DJS to CSA et al., 19 Sep 91, S; J-5 Org Pol Br File. CAPT Paul Brown interview, 13 Jan 94. On 1
July LTG Leland had proposed either giving the whole hemisphere to CINCAMERICAS or assigning him only
North and Central America, giving the Caribbean and South America to USCINCLANT. The Director, Joint
Staff, preferred the former, on grounds that USCINCLANT was focused toward Europe and that Army officers
dominated most Latin American military establishments. GEN Powell commented: “Good points. Anotheroption is ‘No change’.” Memo, DJS to CJCS, “The UCP and Latin America,” 1 Jul 91, S, J-5 Org Pol Br File.
37. CSAFM-6-91 to CJCS, 2 Dec 91, SJS 2542/415, U. USAF Bfg, “Air Combat Command as a Specified
Combatant Command,” 13 Dec 91, U, J-5 Org Pol Br File. The Vice Chief who signed the CSAFM, Gen. Michael
P. C. Carns, previously had been Director, Joint Staff.
38. J-5 Working Papers, S.
39. Draft Form 136, “UCP Revision Initiatives,” 28 Aug 92, U; Handwritten Notes by CJCS, n.d., U; J-5
Org Pol Br File. These notes closely parallel the wording of “Joint Headquarters for US Based Forces,” pp. III-3-5
in GEN Powell’s Roles and Missions Report of Feb 93, mentioned below.
40. J-5A 5948-92 thru DJS to CJCS, 17 Nov 92, U; Bfg by RADM Gehman, USCINCLANT J-3, 13 Jan
93, with Handwritten Notes, “Debrief from J-7 Tank Brief ref LANTCOM,” U; J-5 Org Pol Br File. CAPT Paul
Brown interview, 13 Jan 94.
41. MCPDV 18-93 to Dir, J-5, 18 Apr 93, U; NDV 17-93 to Dir, J-5, 30 Mar 93, U; DAMO-2C to Dir, J-5, 2
Apr 93, U; IP, “Service, CINC and Joint Staff Comments on USLANTCOM I-Plan Guidance,” n.d. [c. Apr 93], U;
IP by Lt Col York, “USLANTCOM as CONUS-based Joint Force Integrator,” n.d. [Aug 93], U; J-5 Org Pol Br File.
42. Msg, USCINCEUR to CJCS, 091200Z Jul 93, S; Msg, CJCS to USNMR SHAPE, 191432Z Jul 93, S; Msg,
USCINCEUR to CJCS, 301200Z Jul 93, S; Form 136, SJS 2147/866, 5 Aug 93 with handwritten CJCS approval
dated 14 Aug, S; J-5 Org Pol Br File.
43. CM-1831-93 to SecDef, 27 Aug 93, SJS 2542/513., S, 040 (12 Jan 93). MCM-144-93 to CSA et al., 6 Oct
93, S. GEN Burba had retired on 1 Apr 93.
44. Memo, USD(P) to SecDef, 13 Jan 93, SJS 2542/513, S; Memo, Pres to SecDef, 26 Feb 93, SJS 2542/513-1,
U; 040 (12 Jan 93). The three Baltic states were deemed to have unique historical and cultural ties with Western
Europe.

1993–1999
1. J-5 Briefing Sheet, “1995 UCP Review,” 3 May 95, U. Ltr, USCINCSOUTH to CJCS, U, 040 (1 Mar 95).
2. The Commission and its report were mandated by the National Defense Authorization Act for FY
1994. Former Deputy Secretary of Defense John P. White chaired the CORM; its eleven members included Gen.
Larry D. Welch, former Air Force Chief of Staff, and GEN Robert W. RisCassi, former Army Vice Chief of Staff.
MFR by CAPT McGillvray, J-5, “Meeting of the CJCS and CORM Reps-UCP,” 11 Apr 95, U, J-5 Organizational
Policy Branch Files.
3. Ibid.

149

Notes to Pages 74–77
4. J-5A 2502-95 to CJCS, 1 Jun 95, FOUO, 040 (26 May 95); CM-885-95 to SecDef, 24 Jul 95, U, J-5 File.
5. CORM Rpt, Directions for Defense, 24 May 95, pp. 2-9 & 2-10; CM-885-95 to SecDef, 24 Jul 95, U; J-5 File.
6. The figure of three hundred nautical miles coincided with the definition of a littoral region approvedby the Joint Warfare Capabilities Assessment for Ground Warfare.
7. J-5A 3746-95 to CJCS, 11 Sep, S-OADR, J-5 File. The date of 1 June 1997 was chosen to mesh with therelocation of USSOUTHCOM’s headquarters to Miami, the drawdown of US forces in Panama, and the projectedcompletion of the UN mission in Haiti.
8. Memo, CINCUSACOM to CJCS, “1995 Biennial UCP Review,” 19 Sep 95, U; Memo, Dir, J-5 to CJCS,“Proposed 1995 UCP Revision,” 10 Oct 95, U; J-5 File.
9. CM-1013-95 to SecDef, 23 Oct 95, S-X-4, 040 (26 May 95); J-5-A 4915-95 to DJS, 1 Dec 95, S; Memo, Presto SecDef, “Unified Command Plan,” 28 Sec 95, S; J-5 File.
10. J-5A 1016-95 to DJS, 12 Sep 97, S; DJSM-818-97 to Army Ops Dep et al., 23 Sep 97, S; 040 (12 Sep 97).
Memo, ASD (Strategy and Threat Reduction) to SecDef, “Unified Command Revision,” 24 Dec 97, U, 040 (9 Jan 98).
11. Ltr, USCINCSPACE to CJCS, 26 Jun 97, U, SJS 97-2422/1; MFRs by CAPT Stavridis, “Space as an
AOR Bfg to DOS,” 3 Sep 97, U, and “NSC Discussion of Space as an AOR with Mr. Bob Bell,” 4 Sep 97, U; J-5
File. Commercial organizations had been added to the second point at Gen. Estes’ request. Estes also protested
that directions to coordinate planning with other CINCs were unique, unnecessary and a bit demeaning. The
wording remained, however, because it was part of a compromise that had been carefully worked out among
J-5, the Army, and the Air Force. Ltr, USCINCSPACE to VCJCS, 2 Nov 97, U; J-5A 3263-97 to VCJCS, 2 Nov 97,
U; 040/040.1 (2 Nov 97).
12. CM-38-97 to SecDef, 8 Dec 97, S, 040 (20 Nov); Memo, Pres to SecDef, “Unified Command Plan,” 29
Jan 98, U; MCM 24-98 to CINCUSACOM et al., 9 Feb 98, S, 040 (31 Dec 97).
13. Rpt of the Nat’l Defense Panel, Transforming Defense, Dec 97, pp. 71-73. The report was mandated
by the Military Force Structure Act of 1996. The nine-member panel included GEN RisCassi and ADM David
Jeremiah, who had been VCJCS during 1990-1994.
14. Memo, DepSecDef to VCJCS, 9 May 98, U; CM-212-98 to DepSecDef, 20 May 98, U, 040/320 (11 May98); SJS 98-2447 to VCJCS, 14 May 98, U; J-5 IP, “Homeland Defense,” 14 May 98, U; J-5 Pol Div File. In 1994,
DOMS had tasked the 10th Division to fight forest fires while ACOM and the Joint Staff were tasking it to prepare for an invasion of Haiti. In 1995, the SecDef limited DOMS’ tasking authority (1) when forces assigned toa CINC were involved, (2) for responses to terrorism, and (3) for the planned use of lethal force. Memo, SecDef
to CJCS et al., 12 Dec 95, U.
15. In May 1998, through PDD’s 62 & 63, President Clinton created the post of National Coordinator for
Security, Infrastructure Protection and Counter-Terrorism, and set a goal of protecting critical infrastructure
within five years. White House Press Release, “Summary of PDD 62 and PDD 63,” J-5 Pol Div File.
16. E-Mail, COL Chappell to CDR Galpin, “98-3 CINCs’ Conferences Notes – UCP,” 15 Sep 98, S; Msg,
CJCS to CINCUSACOM et al., 071550Z Apr 98, U, J-5 Pol Div File.
17. Draft Memo LTC Lynch to Dir, J-5, “In Progress Executive Summary, CND-JTF Wkg Gp and J-5, JCS
Implications,” 15 Sep 98, U, J-5 Pol Div File.
18. Rpt by Science International Applications Corp., UCP-21, 30 Sep 98, U, J-5 Pol Div File.
19. CM 625-99 to SecDef, 14 Jun 99, S, J-5 Pol Div File. The Commander, JTF-CND, would exercise control
over Service components (from USARSPACE, 14th Air Force, and NAVSPACECOM), the Defense Information Systems Agency’s Global Network Operations and Security Center, and the DOD’s Computer Emergency
Response Team. How Service components would interact with JTF-CND remained to be resolved.
20. J-5A 730-99 to CJCS, 16 Jun 99, S, 040 (15 Jun 99). Bfg by DJS, “USACOM: Leading Change,” 9 Aug
99, U, J-5 Pol Div File.
21. Memo, SecDef to Pres, “UCP,” 13 Sep 99, S; Memo, Pres to SecDef, “UCP,” 29 Sep 99, S, J-5 Pol Div File.

150

Notes to Pages 81–83

1999–2012
1. Ronald H. Cole, “UCP 2002/2004, Part Five: 1999-2005,” Draft mss, 1 Aug 07, S, 5.
2. Letter, CJCS, VCJCS, and JCS to SecDef, 21 Sep 01, U, Tab 7, book II, SASC Hearings: DOD’s Role inHomeland Security 25 Oct 01, JHO.
3. Cole, “UCP 2002/2004,” S, 5-6.
4. JSAP, J-5 Policy Division to CJCS, Message (Personal for) General Kernan, CINCJFCOM, on Homeland Security, J-7 SA 00958-01, 5 Oct 01, S, http://pdmrma/js%official/20%archives/ Documents/View.
asp?EID=99454FAO-18D7-11D6-877E-0001FA7EBD77-457691, JS Archives.
5. Memo, PDUSD(P) for DJS, Homeland Security EXORD, 12 Oct 01, S, Standing EXORD Supporting
USCINCJFCOM Homeland Security (HLS) Mission, JS Archives.
6. JSAP, J-3 to CJCS, Acknowledgement of Homeland Security (HLS) EXORD, SJS 01-04936, 23
Oct 01, S, http://pdmrma/js%20official/%20archives/Documents/View.asp?EID=99454FAO-18D7-11D60001FA7EBD77-458062, JS Archives; Message USCINCJFCOM to CJCS, 181729Z Oct 01, S, 01-04936JFCOMP4.
TIF, JS Archives; Message CJCS to USCINCJFCOM, 252050Z Oct 01, S, /SC/Acknowledgement of Homeland
Security (HLS) EXORD, JO1-04936 04936A.TlF, S Archives.
7. A unified command had a broad continuing mission under a single commander and was composedof assigned components from two or more military departments. It was so designated by the President throughthe Secretary of Defense with the advice and assistance of the CJCS. A subordinated unified (or sub-unified)command was established by the commanders of unified commands when authorized by the CJCS. It conducted
continuing operations according to criteria set forth by the unified command and might have an area or functional basis.
8. Memo, SecDef for CJCS et al, Thoughts on UCP Revisions, 1 Oct 01, C w/attchs Realignment Approach
A, S/Close Hold and Realignment Approach B, S/Close Hold, Tab B, book 1 Oct 01 Commanders’-in-Chief
Conference, Washington, DC, box 1, UCP 2002 Historians Research and Reference Materials, JHO.
9. Memo, SecDef for CJCS et al, Thoughts on UCP Revisions, 1 Oct 01, C w/attchs Realignment Approach
A, S/Close Hold and Realignment Approach B, S/Close Hold, Tab B, book 1 Oct 01 Commanders’-in-Chief
Conference, Washington, DC, box 1, UCP.2002 Historians Research and Reference Materials, JHO.
10. Memo, CSA thru CJCS for SecDef, Revisions to the Unified Command Plan (UCP), 1 Nov 01, S, book
Responses to SecDef Memorandum on UCP, JHO.
11. Memo, CNO for SecDef, Comments on Unified Command Plan (UCP) Alternatives, 2 Nov 01, S;
Info Paper, Unified Command Plan Reorganization-Navy “Clean Sheet” Approach, 1 Nov 01, S/LIMDIS; Info
Paper, Unified Command Plan Reorganization-Approach B, 1 Nov 01, S/LIMDIS, book Responses to SecDef
Memorandum on UCP, JHO.
12. Memo, HQ USAF/CC for SecDef, CJCS, Thoughts on the UCP, 1 Nov 01, S w/attchs UCP Background
Paper, S, and UCP Slide Presentation, UCP Reorganization, 31 Oct 01, S, book Responses to SecDef Memorandum on UCP, JHO.
13. Memo, Commandant of the Marine Corps for SecDef, Thoughts on UCP Revisions, 1 Nov 01, S, w/
attchs Analysis of Approaches A and B, S, book Responses to SecDef Memorandum on UCP, JHO.
14. Revised Unified Command Plan Terms of Reference, not dated but mid-October 01, S/Close Hold, nofolder, box 1, UCP 2002 Historians Research and Reference Materials, JHO.
15. Cole, “UCP 2002/2004,” S, 6-7.
16. Cole, “UCP 2002/2004,” S, 7-8.
17. Cole, “UCP 2002/2004,” S, 9; J-5, Unified Command Plan 2002 History, not dated, S, 10, no folder, box
1, UCP 2002 Historians Research and Reference Materials, JHO.
18. J-5, Unified Command Plan 2002 History, not dated, S, 7-8, no folder, box 1, UCP 2002 Historians
Research and Reference Materials, JHO.

151

Notes to Pages 83–85
19. The NORAD Agreement, originally signed in 1958, was a legally binding international document andthe UCP could not direct changes to the document.
20. E-mail, CDR L. K. Zelvin, JCS, J5 to Col D. J. Barile, JCS, J-5, 27 Nov 01, 4:01 PM, S, book UCP 2002
History, JHO; Cole, “UCP 2002/2004,” S, 8; J-5, Unified Command Plan 2002 History, not dated, S, 10, no folder,box 1, UCP 2002 Historians Research and Reference Materials, JHO.
21. J-5, Unified Command Plan 2002 History, not dated, S, 11-12, no folder, box 1, UCP 2002 Historians
Research and Reference Materials, JHO; JCS Briefing, Unified Command Plan Discussion with Secretary of
Defense, 28 Nov 01, S, Daybook General Pace, 29 Nov 01, S/Close Hold, folder VCJC Nov 01, IMD; note, J-5
Policy, Unified Command Plan, 9 Dec 01, S, T:\CJCS DAY Books-Myers\2001, SCL, NDU.
22. Memo, CJCS for CSA et al, Sense of the 14 December Tank on the Unified Command Plan. CM-010101, 15 Dec 01, Close Hold, no folder, box 1, UCP 2002 Historians Research and Reference Materials, JHO; Unified
Command Plan 2002 History, 15-16.
23. Memo, CMDT USMC for CJCS, Sense of the 14 December Tank on the Unified Command Plan, 16
Dec 01, S, folder 5, box 2 UCP 2002, Historians Research and Reference Materials, JHO.
24. J-5, Unified Command Plan 2002 History, not dated, S, 17, no folder, box 1, UCP 2002 Historians
Research and Reference Materials, JHO; memo CMDT USMC for CJCS, Sense of the 14 December Tank on the
Unified Command Plan, 16 Dec 01, S, folder 5, box 2 UCP 2002, Historians Research and Reference Materials,
JHO; memo, CSA for CJCS, Revision to Unified Command Plan (UCP) – Homeland Security Commander in
Chief (HLSCINC), 14 Dec 01, S, SJS 01-06002, 19 Dec 01, S, Revision to Unified Command Plan (UCP) - Homeland Security Commander in Chief (HLSCINC), JS Archives.
25. J-5, Unified Command Plan 2002 History, not dated, S, 19, no folder, box 1, UCP 2002 Historians
Research and Reference Materials, JHO.
26. Action memo, ASD/ISA for USD (Policy), Call to Calder [Canadian Asst. Deputy Minister of Defense(Policy)] on the Unified Command Plan, 10 Jan 02, S, doc 1312ucp, Feith Papers, Special Collections Library,
NDU.
27. Info memo, Principal Deputy USD (Policy) for DepSecDef, USC (Policy), Unified Command Plan 2002
and Canada (U), 6 Feb 02, S, doc 1677uepl, Feith Papers, Special Collections Library, NDU.
28. Note, Steven Cambone to USD (Policy), no subject, 16 Jan 02, U, doc 1312ucp, Feith Papers, Special
Collections Library, NDU; Note, SecDef to LTG Cradock, 22 Jan 03, 10:16 AM, Tracking, U, w/encl SecDef Meetings with Service Chiefs, 2002, CD: Dr Drea Deliverables, file U11580-03, pdf, OSD Records Manager; Info Paper,
DDS&P, J-5, Summary of SecDef UCP Briefing on 19 January 2002, 21 Jan 02, S/Close Hold, no folder, box 1,
UCP 2002 Historians Research and Reference Materials, JHO.
29. Cole, “UCP 2002/2004,” S, 11.
30. E-mail, RDML Costello to MG Dunn, UCP POTUS Brief/Implementation Meeting Backbrief, 11 Feb
02, 11:00 AM, S, no folder, box 1, UCP 2002 Historians Research and Reference Materials, JHO.
31. Cole, “UCP 2002/2004,” S, 10; memo, CJCS for SecDef, Unified Command Plan (UCP) (U), CM-16902, 13 Feb 02, U, folder 5, box 2 UCP 2002, Historians Research and Reference Materials, JHO.
32. Memo SecDef for CJCS, Unified Command Plan, 11 Feb 02, U, folder 5, box 2 UCP 2002, Historians
Research and Reference Materials, JHO; Info memo, CJCS for SecDef, Unified Command Plan, CM-203-02, 4
Mar 02, U, folder 5, box 2 UCP 2002, Historians Research and Reference Materials, JHO.
33. Cole, “UCP 2002/2004,” S, 11-12, 15.
34. Memo, SecDef for the President, Unified Command Plan 2002 (U), 16 Apr 02, S, doc 1480ucp, Feith
Papers, Special Collections Library, NDU; Memo, The President for SecDef, Unified Command Plan 2002, 30
Apr 02, U, w/attch Unified Command Plan, FOUO, no folder, box 1, UCP 2002 Historians Research and Reference Materials, JHO.
35. Memo, SecDef for the President, Unified Command Plan 2002 (U), Apr 02, S, folder 8, box 2 UCP
2002, Historians Research and Reference Materials, JHO.

152

Notes to Pages 85–87
36. J-5, STRATCOM-SPACECOM Merger Briefing Secretary of Defense, 30 Apr 02, S/LIMDIS, no folder,box 3, UCP 2002 Historians Notes, JHO; JSAP, DJ-5 to CJCS, CH-1 to Unified Command Plan 2002, J-5A 0056302, 30 Sep 02, U, no folder, box 3, UCP 2002 Historians Notes, JHO.
37. Briefing, J-5, STRATCOM-SPACECOM MERGER: Joint Chiefs of Staff TANK, 19 Apr 02, S/LIMDIS,
JHO; Briefing for Mr. Andy Hoehn, J-5 DDS&P, STRATCOM Emerging Missions Studies Unified Command
Plan 2002 Change-2, 21 Aug 02, S, both Box UCP 2004 New Docs, JHO.
38. Creating a “New” USSTRATCOM (Daily History) 4 Mar 02–14 Aug 02, 9, S, Box UCP Historian’s
Notes, JHO; Info Paper, J-5 DDS&P, “GLOBAL STRIKE” Language for Change 1 to UCP 2002, 24 Jun 02, Close
Hold, Box UCP 2004 New Docs, JHO.
39. JSAP, DJ-5 to CJCS, CH-1 to Unified Command Plan 2002, J-5A 00563-02, 30 Sep 02, U, no folder,box 3, UCP 2002 Historians Notes, JHO.
40. Letter, Rumsfeld to Cheney et al, 25 Jun 02; Creating a “New” USSTRATCOM (Daily History) 4
Mar 02–14 Aug 02, 13-18, S, Box UCP Historian’s Notes, JHO; Memo, SecDef for the President, Recommended
Changes to Unified Command Plan 2002, 20 Jun 02, U, no folder, box 3, UCP 2002 Historians Notes, JHO.
41. Memo, CJCS for Chief of Staff, US Army et al, Terms of Reference for Merging USTRATCOM and
USSPACECOM (U), CM-384-02, 26 Jun 02, S, w/encl Terms of Reference for Merger of US Strategic Commandand US Space Command (U), S; Appendix A to Enclosure Current Missions Assigned Per UCP 2002, U; Appendix
B to Enclosure Terms of Reference for Emerging Missions Studies, (U), S, Box UCP 2002 Historian’s Notes, JHO.
42. Action Memo, CJCS for SECDEF, Recommended Change to Unified Command Plan (UCP) 2002,
CM-403-02, 15 Jul 02, Green Folder, J-5.
43. Memo, SecDef for CJCS, Cost of Commands, 15 Jul 02, U; memo CJCS for SecDef, Cost of Commands,
CM-426-02, 1 Aug 02, U, T:\Master Archives Files\0008-01\CMS\2002\CM 400-499, SCL, NDU.
44. Memo, President for the SECDEF, Change to Unified Command Plan 2002, 30 Jul 02, (U), Box UCP
2002 Historian’s Notes, JHO; Creating a “New” USSTRATCOM (Daily History) 4 Mar 02 – 14 Aug 02, 19, S,
Box UCP Historian’s Notes, JHO.
45. 5X8, J-5 Policy Division, UCP 02 Change 2 Talking Points, 25 Nov 02, Box UCP 2004 New Documents, JHO.
46. Briefing, DDS&P J-5, Decision Briefing to the JCS: Assignment of the Global Strike Mission, 4 Sep
02, S, JHO.
47. 5X8, J-5 Policy Division, UCP 02 Change 2 Talking Points, 25 Nov 02, Box UCP 2004 New Documents,
JHO; Briefing, DDS&P J-5, Decision Briefing for the JCS, STRATCOM Emerging Missions Studies: Unified
Command Plan 2002, Change 2, 18 Oct 02, S, JHO.
48. Action Memo, CJCS for SecDef, Recommended Change 2 to Unified Command Plan 2002, CM-64802, 7 Dec 02, Green Folder, J-5.
49. Memo, SecDef for the President, Recommended Change-2 to Unified Command Plan 2002, 11 Dec
02, Green Folder, J-5. Change-2 language officially left OSD on 11 Dec for the White House. E-mail, CAPT K.
Walker, J-5 to CJCS VU-DJ-5, DJ5 Daily Update, 12 Dec 02, S, Box UCP 2002 Historian’s Notes, JHO.
50. Memo, CJCS for Chief of Staff, US Army et al, Promulgation of Unified Command Plan 2002 (withChange-1 and Change-2 incorporated), MCM-0016-03, 4 Feb 03, S, Box UCP 2004 New Docs, JHO.
51. Cf Memo, CJCS for Chief of Staff, US Army et al, Promulgation of Unified Command Plan 2002 (withChange-1 and Change-2 incorporated), MCM-0016-03, 4 Feb 03, S, with Unified Command Plan 2002, 30 Apr
2002, both Box UCP 2004 New Docs, JHO.
52. 5X8, J-5 DDS&P Policy Division, Unified Command Plan Way Ahead, 1 Apr 03, FOUO, box UCP
2004 New Docs, JHO.
53. Info Paper, J-5 DDS&P, Development of the Unified Command Plan (UCP) Review Slate of Issues, 16
Oct 03, C:\Documents and Settings\dreaej\Desktop\UCP04\ ucp organization, information paper–UCP Review
background.doc; Info memo, CJCS for SecDef, Unified Command Plan (UCP) Way Ahead, CM-809-03, 5 Mar

153

Notes to Pages 87–89
03, Box 4 Historian’s Notes, JHO; J5 Organization & Policy Working Briefs, JFCOM Language, 22 Sep 04, box
3, Historian’s Notes, UCP 2004, JHO.
54. Memo, SecDef for USD(P), Issues w/Various Countries, 7 Apr 03, 11:46 AM, U, Box UCP 2006, JHO;
Memo, SecDef for CJCS, CENTCOM AOR, 15 Apr 03.
55. Why Syria, Lebanon, and Israel should remain within the EUCOM AOR, 23 Apr 03, U, Box 1, UCP
2004 Historians’ Notes, JHO; Info Paper, J-5 Organization and Policy, Assigning the Levant, 19 Jun 03, (U), Box
1, UCP 2004 Historians’ Notes, JHO; Info Memo, CJCS for SecDef, USCENTCOM AOR, CM-924-03, 5 May
03, S, Box 1, UCP 2004 Historians’ Notes, JHO; Briefing, J-5 Deputy Director, Unified Command Plan Review,
11 Sep 03, U, C:\dreae\desktop\UCP04\CJCS brief, 11 Sep 03, ppt.
56. Draft JSAP, J-5 Policy to J-5 DDS&P, Syria in the UCP Review, not dated, Box 1, UCP 2004 Historians’
Notes, JHO; Interview, COL Alan F. Mangan, USMC, and CDR Mark V. Metzger, USN, by Ronald Cole, 5 Jan 06, S,
Box, UCP 2004 New Docs, JHO; Info Paper, DDS&P J-5, UCP Review Update, 30 Jan 04, Box 2, UCP 2004 Historians’
Notes, JHO. Memo, SecDef for CJCS et al, Syria and Lebanon, 9 Feb 04, Box 2, UCP 2004 Historians’ Notes, JHO.
57. Info Paper, J-5 Policy, UCP 02 Change 3-Syria and Lebanon moved to USCENTCOM, 11 May 04, S;
5X8, J-5 Policy Division, UCP 02 CH-3: Syria & Lebanon to CENTCOM (U), not dated, S; Action memo, CJCS
for SecDef, Recommended Change-3 to Unified Command Plan 2002 (w/Ch-1 and 2), 12 Feb 04 w/SecDef initialed approval, 12 Feb 04; Memo, NSC Executive Secretary for Executive Secretary, DOD, Change-3 to Unified
Command Plan 2002, 22 Mar 04; Memo, DJS for Chiefs of Services, Commanders of the Combatant Commands,
Promulgation of Change-3 to Unified Command Plan 2002 (UCP 02), MCM-0016-04, 29 Apr 04, S, all Box UCP
2004 New Docs, JHO. (U) This decision coincided with a White House interagency group’s deliberations on
specific sanctions on Syria. The discussions led to the issuance of Executive Order 13338 on 11 May 2004 thatprohibited export or re-export to Syria of all products of the United States and proscribed Syrian aircraft from theUnited States, except in limited circumstances. (US Dept of Commerce, Implementation of the Syria Accountability Act, 14 May 2004, http://www.bis.doc.gov/licensing/syriaimplementationmay14_04. htm).
58. 5X8, J5 DDS&P Policy Division, Unified Command Plan Way Ahead, 1 Apr 03, FOUO, box UCP 2004
New Docs, JHO; J-5 DDS&P Policy Division, 5X8, Unified Command Plan Way Ahead, 1 Apr 03, FOUO; Action
Memo, CJCS for SecDef, Defense Planning Guidance Fiscal Year 2004-2009 (DPG 04-09)-Directed Study on
Options for Improving Logistics, CM-827-03, 12 Mar 03, S, Box 1, UCP 2004 Historians’ Notes, JHO.
59. Memo, SecDef for Acting USD (AT&L), Commander, US Transportation Command, 18 Sep 03; 5X8, J-5
DDS&P Policy Division, Unified Command Plan Review, 18 Sep 03, FOUO, Box 1, UCP 2004 Historians’ Notes,
JHO; 5X8, J-5 Policy, Unified Command Plan Review, 5 May 04 FOUO, Box UCP 2004 New Documents, JHO.
60. J-5 Organization & Policy, Comments on SecDef’s UCP Talking Points, 28 Jan 03 (S), Historian’s Notes,
UCP 2004, box 1, JHO; SecDef Talking Points, Combatant Commander Conference – 30-31 January 2002, Unified Command Plan (UCP), 30 Jan 03, S, Box 1, UCP 2004 Historians’ Notes, JHO.
61. J-5 Organization and Policy, Comments on SecDef’s UCP Talking Points, not dated, S, Box 1, UCP
2004 Historians’ Notes, JHO; Message, CJCS to JS et al, 262200Z Feb 03, box 1, UCP 2004 Historians Notes, JHO.
62. Message, J-5 to Personal For LTG Bedard, et al, UCP Inputs, 242200Z Feb 03, U, Box 1, UCP 2004
Historians’ Notes, JHO; Info Memo, CJCS for SecDef, Unified Command Plan (UCP) Way Ahead, CM-809-03,
5 Mar 03, Box 1, UCP 2004 Historians’ Notes, JHO.
63. J-5, Unified Command Plan Review, 2 Apr 03, file Read-ahead, 2 Apr 03.ppt, C:\Documents & Settings\
dreaej\desktop\UCPo4\UCP organization, JHO.
64. J-5 Policy Division, Unified Command Plan 2004 User’s Manual, 15 Mar 05, 2, C:\dreae\desktop\
UCP04\Unified Command Plan 2004 User’s Manual 15 March 05; J-5, Unified Command Plan Review, 2 Apr
03, file Read-ahead, 2 Apr 03.ppt, C:\Documents & Settings\dreaej\ desktop\UCPo4\UCP organization, JHO.
USELEMNORAD was included in the UCP review because it is a US-only command that had combatant command authority over forces assigned to it.
65. J-5 Organization & Policy, Working Brief 29 May 03 Agenda, not dated, U, Box 1, UCP 2004 Historians’
Notes, JHO; e-mail, CDR Dalton to R. Cole, UCP Questions, 9 Jan 06, 6:21 PM, Box UCP 2004 New Docs, JHO;
154

Notes to Pages 89–91
Interview, COL Alan F. Mangan, USMC, and CDR Mark V. Metzger, USN, by Ronald Cole, 5 Jan 06, S, ibid; 5X8,J-5 DDS&P Policy Division, Unified Command Plan Way Ahead (U), 1 Apr 03, FOUO, ibid; Jim Garamone,
Strategic, Space Commands to Merge, 26 Jun 02, http://www.defense.gov//news/newarticle.aspx?ID=43714.
66. Position paper, J-5 Organization & Policy, Creating a US Americas Command, 19 Jun 03, U, Box 1,
UCP 2004 Historians’ Notes, JHO; Briefing, J-5 Deputy Director, Unified Command Plan Review, 11 Sep 03, U,
C:\dreae\desktop\UCP04\CJCSbrief, 11 Sep 03, ppt.
67. Briefing, RADM Patrick M. Walsh, J-5 Deputy Director, Strategy and Policy to USD (P), UCP Review,
11 Sep 03.ppt, C:\Documents & Settings\dreaej\desktop\UCPo4\UCP organization, JHO; UCP 04 Summary, notdated but after 19 Nov 04, U – Close Hold, Box 1, UCP 2004 Historians’ Notes, JHO.
68. Briefing, RADM Patrick M. Walsh, J-5 Deputy Director, Strategy and Policy to USD (P), UCP Review,
11 Sep 03.ppt, C:\Documents & Settings\dreaej\desktop\UCPo4\UCP organization, JHO.
69. Talking Paper, J-6, J6Z, NORAD-USNORTHCOM Missions/Responsibilities, 14 Aug 03, Box 1, UCP
2004 Historians’ Notes, JHO; Info Paper, J-5 Organization & Policy, Removing USELEMNORAD form the UCP,
19 Jun 03, S, Box 1, UCP 2004 Historians’ Notes, JHO; JS, J5 DDS&P, Unified Command Plan Review: Functional
Issues, 10 Apr 03, Box 1, UCP Historian Notes, JHO; HQNORAD to CJCS, USELEMNORAD in 2004 Unified
Command Plan (UCP), 212132Z Jul 03, Box UCP 2004 New Docs, JHO.
70. Message, CDR USNORTHCOM to CJCS et al, USELEMNORAD in 2004 Unified Command Plan,
152110Z Jul 03, S, UCP 2004 New Docs, JHO; Briefing, J-5 Deputy Director, Unified Command Plan Review, 11
Sep 03, U, C:\dreae\desktop\UCP04\ CJCS brief, 11 Sep 03.ppt. The other five COCOMs abstained.
71. Message, CDR USNORTHCOM to CJCS et al, USELEMNORAD in 2004 Unified CommandPlan, 152110Z Jul 03, S, UCP 2004 New Docs, JHO; 5X8, J-5 Organizational Policy, USELEMNORAD in the
UCP, 27 Oct 03; Briefing, J-5 Policy Division, OPSDEPS Decision Brief Unified Command Plan Review, 20
Oct 03, Box 1, UCP 2004 Historians’ Notes, JHO; 5X8, J-5 Organization & Policy, USELEMNORAD Issue
Timeline, 15 Dec 03, Box 2, UCP 2004 Historians’ Notes, JHO; e-mail NORAD J5 to CDR Dalton, FW: TMS
20040646084 UCP Review Recommendation for USELEMNORAD, w/attchs, 12 Mar 04, 1:28 PM, Box UCP
2004 New Docs, JHO.
72. Briefing, OUSD(P) DASD/Strategy, Evaluating Proposed Unified Command Plan (UCP) Changes,
4 Dec 03, S; 5X8, J-5 Organization & Policy, USELEMNORAD Issue Timeline, 15 Dec 03, Box 2, UCP 2004
Historians’ Notes, JHO.
73. Fax, Eberhart for Pace, Talking Paper on USELEMNORAD–Draft UCP Language, Box 2, UCP 2004
Historians’ Notes, JHO; 5X8, J-5 Organization & Policy, USELEMNORAD Issue, 3 Feb 04, Box 2, UCP 2004
Historians’ Notes, JHO.
74. 5X8, J-5 Policy, To describe UCP Review issues for Oct 6-10 Tanks, 22 Sep 03, Box 1, UCP 2004 Historians’ Notes, JHO.
75. Info Paper, DDS&P J-5, UCP Review Update, 30 Jan 04, Box 2, UCP 2004 Historians’ Notes, JHO;
Position Paper, J-5 Policy, Americas Command Study Expert Panel Options, 2 Feb 04, Box 2, UCP 2004 Historians’ Notes, JHO.
76. Letter Welch to CJCS, Independent Assessment of a SouthCom/NorthCom Merger, 7 May 04; Briefing,
J-5 Policy, JCS Brief NORTHCOM–SOUTHCOM Merger Study IPR, 7 May 04, S, Box 2, UCP 2004 Historians’
Notes, JHO; Briefing, J-5 Policy Division, Decision Brief NORTHCOM—SOUTHCOM Merger Study v9a, 10
Jun 04, Box 3, UCP 2004 Historians’ Notes, JHO; Info Memo, CJCS for SECDEF, Institute for Defense Analyses(IDA) White Paper on Study of Potential NORTHCOM-SOUTHCOM Merger, CM-1882-04, 30 Jun 04, Box
UCP 2004 New Docs, JHO; e-mail, VADM Keating to LTG Sharp, NORTHCOM-SOUTHCOM Merger, 14 Jul
04, 8:00 AM, S, Box UCP 2004 New Docs, JHO.
77. Briefing, DASD(S), Changing US Global Military Command Structure, 11 Mar 04, U, Working Papers,
Box UCP New Docs, JHO; Briefing, DASD(S), Unified Command Plan (UCP) Assessing the US Global Command Structure, 13 Apr 04, Box 2006 UCP, Ronald Cole, Draft manuscript, “Introduction to History of Unified
Command Plans 2002 and 2004,” 28, 7 Nov 06, S, Box UCP 2004, New Docs, JHO.
155

Notes to Pages 91–93
78. Interview, COL Alan F. Mangan, USMC, and CMDR Mark V. Metzger, USN, by Ronald H. Cole, 5
Jan 06, Box UCP 2004 New Docs, JHO; Briefing, DASD(S), Assessing Integrated Global Command Structure,
circa. March 04, FOUO Working Papers; Briefing, J-5 Deputy Director Strategy and Policy, UCP Review Studies
IPR, Apr 04, S; Briefing, DASD(S), Assessing Integrated Global Command Structure, 30 Jun 04, FOUO Working
Papers; J-5 Policy (?), “UCP Next–Brainstorming a Strategy,” not dated, all Box 2006 UCP, JHO.
79. Memo SecDef for CJCS, Terrorist Organizations, 22 Jul 02, S; Box 4, UCP 2004 Historians’ Notes,
JHO; Interview, COL Alan F. Mangan, USMC, and CDR Mark V. Metzger, USN, by Ronald Cole, 5 Jan 06, S,
Box, UCP 2004 New Docs, JHO.
80. Fact Sheet, J-5, J53-S/8, UCP 04 Language Changes for USSOCOM regarding WOT and PSYOP roles
and responsibilities, FOUO, 27 May 04, Box 2, UCP 2004 Historians’ Notes, JHO; e-mail, Lt Col DeLaMater to
CDR Feyedelem. SOCOM’s GWOT Role and the UCP – History of “Synchronize,” 29 Oct 07, 2:34 PM, S, folder
UCP 2008new/socom.UCP 2006 e-mail (1513).msg/drea/desktop/JHO.
81. E-mail, CDR Marc Dalton to Ronald Cole, UCP Questions, 9 Jan 06, 6:21 PM. U, JHO.
82. Interview, COL Alan F. Mangan, USMC, and CDR Mark V. Metzger, USN, by Ronald Cole, 5 Jan 06,
S, Box, UCP 2004 New Docs, JHO; Fact Sheet, J-5, J53-S/8, UCP 04 Language Changes for USSOCOM regarding WOT and PSYOP roles and responsibilities, FOUO, 27 May 04, Box 2, UCP 2004 Historians’ Notes, JHO.
83. ASD/SOLIC, Discussion Notes, WOT Strategic Review, 17 Sep 04, S/NF, Box 3, UCP 2004 Historians’
Notes, JHO; Interview, Jon Lellenberg, Actg Director Strategy & Initiatives, Special Operations/Combating Terrorism, ASD(SO/LIC) by Ronald Cole, 9 Apr 05, Box 3, UCP 2004 Historians’ Notes, JHO; 5X8, J-5 Policy, UCP
04 New Docs, JHO; Info Paper, Policy J-5, ASD(SO/LIC) Proposal for Alternative UCP 04 Language for SOCOM,
10 Nov 04; Info Paper, Policy, J-5, ASD(SO/LIC) Proposal for Alternative UCP 04 Language for SOCOM, 18 Nov
04, Box 3, UCP 2004 Historians’ Notes, JHO; 5X8, J-5 Policy, UCP 04 SOCOM WOT Language: DJ-5 Update,
8 Nov 04; 5X8, J-5 Policy, UCP SOCOM WOT Language Comparison, 9 Nov 04, Box 4, UCP 2004 Historians’
Notes, JHO; Ronald Cole, Draft manuscript, “Introduction to History of Unified Command Plans 2002 and 2004,”
38, 7 Nov 06, S, Box UCP 2004, New Docs, JHO; Draft Unified Command Plan 2004, folder UCP 04 Final-Not
releasable–15 Nov 2004 (with changes highlighted).docx/drea/desktop/JHO.
84. Action memo, CJCS for SecDef, Unified Command Plan (UCP) 2004, CM-2045-04, 13 Sep 04, Box
UCP 2004 (3), JHO; Briefing, J-5 Policy Division, Unified Command Plan 2004: USPACOM Areas of Interestfor Admiral Fallon, 14 Feb 05, Box 3, UCP 2004 Historians’ Notes, JHO.
85. Interview, Jon Lellenberg, Actg Director, Strategy and Initiatives, Special Operations/Combatting
Terrorism, ASD(SO/LIC) by Ronald H. Cole, 9 Aug 05; Discussion Notes, WOT Strategic Review, 17 Sep 04, S/
NF, both Box UCP 2004 (3), JHO.
86. E-mail COL D. Allvin to CAPT J. Miller, UCP SOCOM WOT Language—Option C, 16 Nov 04, 9:11
AM, U, Box 4, UCP 2004 Historians’ Notes, JHO; Memo OCJCS for Chiefs of Services et al, Distribution of Unified Command Plan 2004 (UCP 04), MCM 0012-05, 17 Mar 05, FOUO w/encl Unified Command Plan, 1 Mar
05 (FOUO), 13, Box 3, UCP 2004 Historians’ Notes, JHO. Cf Unified Command Plan 2004 (Draft), 15 Nov 04,
para 20d., folder UCP 04 Final-Not releasable–15 Nov 2004 (with changes highlighted).docx/drea/desktop/JHO
and Unified Command Plan, 1 March 05, para.20d.
87. J-5 Organization and Policy, Tab A Unified Command Plan (UCP) Summary of Changes, 12 Jan 05,
U, Box 3, UCP 2004 Historians’ Notes, JHO.
88. Memo, The President for the SecDef, Unified Command Plan 2004, 1 Mar 05; memo CJCS for Chiefsof Services, et al, Distribution of Unified Command Plan 2004 (UCP 04), 17 Mar 05, MCM 0012-05, FOUO),
both box 3, Historians’ Notes UCP 2004, JHO.
89. J-5 Policy Briefing, CJCS Strategy Update: Unified Command Plan 2004, Change-1, 25 Mar 05, box
UCP 2006, JHO.
90. J-5 Policy Info Paper, Unified Command Plan 2004 Ch-1 Plan of Action, 19 Sep 05, Notebook CJCS
Strategic Update: 2004 UCP Change-1, Capt. J. W. Miller, J-5 Policy, 25 Mar 05, J-5 Files.
91. J-5 Policy Briefing, CJCS Strategy Update: Unified Command Plan 2004, Change-1, 25 Mar 05, box
156

Notes to Pages 93–95
UCP 2006, JHO.
92. J-5 Policy Briefing, CJCS Strategy Update: Unified Command Plan 2004, Change-1, 25 Mar 05, box
UCP 2006; Briefing, Andy Hoehn, DASD (S), OPDUSD(P), Assessing Integrated Global Command Structure,
FOUO, circa. Mar 04 and Briefing, Andy Hoehn, DASD (S), OPDUSD(P), Assessing Integrated Global Command Structure, FOUO, 30 Jun 04, JHO.
93. Message, CJCS to CSAF et al, Unified Command Plan (UCP) 04 Change One, 192045Z Apr 05, Box
UCP 2006, JHO.
94. Briefing, J-5 Policy, Unified Command Plan 2004 Change-1 Update, 8 Jun 05; ECJ5-S, Unified Command Plan (UCP), Change-1, 20 Apr 05; Info Paper, Unified Command Plan (UCP) 2004 Ch-1 Geographic Issue:
Placing Entire Aleutian Islands Chain in USNORTHCOM’s AOR, 24 Jun 05, Notebook CJCS Strategy Update:2004 UCP Change-1, J-5 Policy; Briefing, J-5 Policy, Unified Command Plan 2004 Change-1 Language, 16 Jun
05, Box UCP 2006, JHO.
95. Briefing, J-5 Policy, Unified Command Plan 2004 Change-1 Language, 16 Jun 05, Box UCP 2006, JHO.
96. Briefing, J-5 Policy, Unified Command Plan 2004 Change-1 Language, 16 Jun 05, Box UCP 2006, JHO.
97. Briefing, J-5 Policy, Unified Command Plan 2004 Change-1 Update, 8 Jun 05, Box UCP 2006, JHO.
98. 5X8, J-5 Policy, Unified Command Plan (UCP), 22 Aug 05; 5X8, J-5 Policy, Unified Command Plan
2004 Ch-1 Status, 13 Sep 05, both Box UCP 2006, JHO.
99. J-5 Policy, Unified Command Plan 2004 Ch-1 Status, 13 Sep 05, both Box UCP 2006, JHO.
100. J-5 Policy, Info Paper, Unified Command Plan 2004 Ch-1 Plan of Action, 19 Sep 05, w/attachment
Summary and Status of OSD (Policy) UCP 04 Ch-1 Comments, Notebook CJCS Strategic Update: 2004 UCP
Change-1, Capt, J. W. Miller, J-5 Policy, 25 Mar 05, J-5 Policy.
101. J-5 Policy, Info Paper, Unified Command Plan 2004 Ch-1 Plan of Action, 19 Sep 05, Notebook CJCS
Strategic Update: 2004 UCP Change-1, Capt, J. W. Miller, J-5 Policy, 25 Mar 05, J-5 Policy.
102. J-5 Policy, Unified Command Plan 2004 Ch-1 Status, 13 Sep 05, both Box UCP 2006, JHO.
103. JSAP, J-5 Policy for CJCS, Unified Command Plan 2004 (UCP 04) Change-1, 11 Dec 05, electronic
file J-5A 00479-05/1, DOM: Action memo, CJCS for SECDEF, Unified Command Plan (UCP) 2004 Change-1(Ch-1), CM-0090-05, 12 Dec 05, w/Tab A, Unified Command Plan (UCP) Summary of Changes; Unified Command Plan 2006 Executive Summary, 31 Mar 06, Box 2006 UCP, JHO.
104. Info Paper, J-5 Policy, UCP Implementation Process, 19 Dec 05, Box 2006 UCP, JHO; Briefing, DOD,
Quadrennial Defense Review Results, 3 Feb 06, Box 2006 UCP, JHO.
105. Memo, Rumsfeld for Pace, 6 Feb 06 (C), Box 2006 UCP, JHO.
106. Briefing, J-5 Policy Division, Unified Command Plan SecDef’s Five Questions, 5 Mar 06; DJ-5, TAB
B, Unified Command Plan (U), 10 Mar 06, (S/NF); Briefing, J-5 Policy, Coordination Results to SecDef’s Unified
Command Plan Questions and CJCS Response, 10 Mar 06; Box 2006 UCP, JHO.
107. E-mail, CDR Metzger to MAJ Benfield et al, UCP Next Issues, 17 Mar 06, 4:59, Box 2006 UCP, JHO;
Cf Action Memo, CJCS for SecDef, Unified Command Plan (UCP) 2004 Change-1 (Ch-1), CM-0090-05, 12 Dec
05, TAB A and Memo CJCS for Chiefs of Services et al, Distribution of Unified Command Plan 2006 (UCP 06),
MCM 0004-06, 31 May 06, Box 2006 UCP, JHO.
108. Draft Briefing, Director of Strategic Plans and Policy, DJ-5 [for Secretary of Defense], Unified Command Plan 2006, 22 Mar 06; e-mail CDR Metzger to MAJ Benfield, et al, 24 Mar 06, 9:27 AM; Box 2006 UCP, JHO;
Briefing Book, Secretary of Defense, Unified Command Plan 2004, 4 Apr 06, w/SecDef marginalia, Notebook
Secretary of Defense, Unified Command Plan 2004, 4 April 2006.
109. Briefing Book, Secretary of Defense, Unified Command Plan 2004, 4 Apr 06, w/SecDef marginalia,
Notebook Secretary of Defense, Unified Command Plan 2004, 4 April 2006; Draft Memo CJCS for SecDef, Unified Command Plan 2006, not dated, but after 7 Apr 06, Box 2006 UCP, JHO.
110. Briefing, Director of Strategic Plans and Policy, DJ-5, Unified Command Plan 2006, 4 Apr 06, w/
SecDef’s handwritten marginalia, Notebook Unified Command Plan 2006, Secretary of Defense, 04 April 2006,
157

Notes to Pages 95–97
J-5. Briefing Book, Secretary of Defense, Unified Command Plan 2004, 4 Apr 06, w/SecDef marginalia, Notebook
Secretary of Defense, Unified Command Plan 2004, 4 April 2006.
111. Memo Rumsfeld for Pace, et al, Unified Command Plan 2006, 4 Apr 06, electronic file J-5A 0047905/1, DOM.
112. See UCP 2006, 15; para 21, c., (4), (a) for the final amended wording.
113. JSAP, J-5 Policy for CJCS, Unified Command Plan 2004 (UCP 04) Change-1, J-5A 00479-05, 11 Dec
05; JSAP, J-5 Policy for CJCS, Unified Command Plan 2006, J-5A 00479-05/1, 11 Apr 06; Memo CJCS for SecDef,
Unified Command Plan (UCP) 2006, 11 Apr 06, electronic file J-5A 00479-05/1, DOM; Draft memo, CJCS for
SecDef, Unified Command Plan 2006, not dated, but after 7 Apr 06, Notebook, RDML Pandolfe, Unified Command Plan, 2002, 4 Apr 06, J-5 Strategy.
114. Memo, SecDef for the President, Unified Command Plan (UCP) 2006, 12 Apr 06, electronic file J-5A
00479-05/1, DOM; e-mail, CDR Fata to LTG Odierno, et al, J5 Daily Update-Thursday, 13 April 2006; memo,
Donald Rumsfeld for Eric Edelman, 5 Apr 06, Notebook Unified Command Plan Gouge CDR Feyedelan (S/NF) not dated, J-5.
115. E-mail, LTC Wolford to CDR Feyedelem, SF 040406-23 (Full Re-Write of the UCP), 10 May 06, 8:08
AM; e-mail, CDR Feyedelem to LTC Desautels, JSAP 06-01991, 28 Jun 06, 5:08 PM, Box 2006 UCP, JHO.
116. Memo, The President for SecDef, Unified Command Plan 2006, 5 May 06; Memo CJCS for Chiefsof Service, et al, Distribution of Unified Command Plan 2006 (UCP 06), 31 May 06, MCM 0004-06, Box 2006
UCP, JHO.
117. J-6, Info Paper, DOD role in Cyberspace (U), 15 Sep 06, S, Box UCP 2008, JHO.
118. DDWOT/SPD, J-5, Position Paper, Role of US Special Operations Command (U), 15 Feb 06, S/NF,
Box 2008 UCP, JHO.
119. Briefing, J-5 Policy Division, Unified Command Plan: SecDef’s Five Questions, 5 Mar 06, S/NF, Box
UCP 2008, JHO; Briefing, J-5 Policy Division, Coordination Results to SecDef’s Unified Command Plan Questions and CJCS Response, U, 10 Mar 06, Box 2008 UCP, JHO.
120. Briefing, J-5 Policy Division, Coordination Results to SecDef’s Unified Command Plan Questions
and CJCS Response, U, 10 Mar 06, Box 2008 UCP, JHO.
121. VDJ-5, Info Paper, Unified Command Plan (UCP) (U), 15 Mar 06, S/NF, UCP 2008new/OSD AFRICOM/UCP2006E-mail (1332), Drea desktop, JHO. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was selected because it was home to
the African Union Headquarters. An earlier version of the document, prepared by the DJ-5 and dated 10 Mar
06, was identified as the CJCS’s response to the Secretary’s questions. DJ-5, Info Paper, Unified Command Plan
(UCP) (U), 10 Mar 06, S/NF, Box UCP 2008, JHO.
122. E-mail, NORAD J-3 to NORAD J-5, 2006076136–Hot Hot Possible Issue for Next Unified Command Plan, 21 Mar 06, 9:48 AM, S/Rel USA and CAN, folder UCP 2008new/ucpnext08/ucp2006 e-mail(701),
Drea desktop, JHO.
123. Snowflake, SecDef to Eric Edelman, Full Re-Write of the UCP, 5 Apr 06, FOUO, folder ucp2008new/
ucpnext/ucp2006 E-mail (525), drea/desktop, JHO; J-5 Policy, Info Paper, Unified Command Plan language
for the establishment of US Africa Command (USAFRICOM), 12 Apr 06, Box UCP 2008, JHO; e-mail, Col
Bouthiller, JCS J-5, to Barry Pavel, OSD-Policy, UCP Snowflake, 3 May 06, 1:44 PM; e-mail, CDR Feyedelem to
Lt Col Desautels, RE: JSAP 06-01991, 28 Jun 06, 5:08 P.M. and e-mail, Lt Col Desautels to CDR Feyedelem, RE:
JSAP 06-01991, 28 Jun 06, 6:31 P.M. Box UCP 2008, JHO.
124. ECJS-5, Africa as a Sub-Unified Command, 22 May 06, UCP2008new/osdafricom/ucp2006 E-mail(1522), drea desktop, JHO.
125. E-mail, Lt Col Wolford to CDR Feyedelem, UCP Brief, 8 Jun 06, 1:25 P.M. w/attch June 08, 2006 UCP
Next v5.pdf w/General Pace marginalia, folder UCP 2008 new/UCP next 08/E-Mail (540), drea desktop, JHO;
J-5 Exsum, Unified Command Plan (UCP) Next, 6 Jul 06, U, w/attach DSPP, DJ-5 Briefing, Unified Command
Plan Next Options, Jun 06, FOUO.

158

Notes to Pages 97–99
126. E-mail, RDML Pandolfe to RSS—SecDef CablesESO, 10 Jul 06, JCS J5 UCP v2.ppt, 10 Jul 06, 6:24
P.M., S/NF, folder UCP 2008new/UCP 2006 E-mail (240).msg, drea desktop, JHO.
127. DDS&P, J-5 Briefing (for SecDef), Unified Command Plan: Countering 21st Century Challenges, 19
Jul 06, S/NF, folder UCPnew/ucpnext 08/UCP 2006 E-mail (525).msg, drea/desktop, JHO.
128. E-mail LTC DeJarnette to CDR Feyedelem, Today’s UCP meeting (S/NF), 19 Jul 06, 5:51 P.M., UCP2008 new/UCP 2006 E-mail (1535).msg, drea desktop, JHO; J-5 Policy, Info Paper, Unified Command Plan
(UCP), 25 Jul 06, S, Box 2008 UCP, JHO.
129. DJ-5, NORTHCOM, USNORTHCOM Comments on Joint Staff Proposed Initiatives for UCP 2007, 30
Aug 06, S/NF, folder UCP new/UCP next 08/UCP 2006 E-mail (464).msg, drea desktop, JHO; Memo, USTRATCOM for Joint Staff DJ-5, Assessment of Options for Unified Command Plan (UCP) 2007, 22 Sep 06 w/encls, 15
Sep 06, S/NF, folder UCP 2008new/UCP E-Mail(850).msg/drea/ desktop/JHO.
130. Memo, USSOUTHCOM for Joint Staff, J-5 Policy, Assessment of Options for Unified Command Plan
(UCP) 2007, (J-5A 00839-06), 15 Sep 06, S, folder UCP 2008new/UCP E-Mail (159). Msg.
131. Memo, CCJ5, USCENTCOM for Director, Strategic Plans & Policy, Joint Staff, Assessment of Options
for Unified Command Plan (UCP) 2007, 19 Sep 06 w/Encl CENTCOM Position Assessment of options for Unified Command Plan 2007, 15 Sep 06, S/NF, Box 2008 UCP, JHO.
132. Memo HQDA, ADCSOPS (Joint Affairs) for Director, Strategic Plans and Policy (Attn: J-5 Policy
Division), 18 Sep 06, S/NF, folder UCP 2008new/UCP 2006 E-Mail (231).msg/drea/desktop, JHO; memo HQ
USMC for Director J-5, The Joint Staff, Assessment of Options for Unified Command Plan 2007, 18 Sep 06, U,
folder UCP 2008new/UCP 2006 E-Mail (1120).msg/drea/desktop, JHO.
133. Draft Pre-decisional Brief, DDS&P J-5, Unified Command Plan: Countering 21st Century Challenges,
27 Oct 06, S, UCP 2008new/UCPnext08/UCP 2006 E-Mail (525).msg/drea/desktop/ JHO; letter Commander,
USEUCOM to CJCS, 15 Sep 06, S/NF, folder UCP 2008new/EUCOM/e-mail/1525.msg, drea/desktop, JHO.
134. ECCS, Pre-decisional USAFCOM Working Papers; Strategic Concept for the Implementation of
Africa Command (AFCOM) (U), 15 Sep 06, S/NF, folder UCP 2008new/OSDAfricom/UCP 2006 E-Mail (902).
msg; DASD/AFR, Africa Command and the Horn of Africa, 8 Aug 06, C, Box UCP 2008, JHO; 5X8, J-5 Strategic
Policy, Africa Command (AFRICOM) Brief (S/NF), 20 Sep 06, S, Box UCP 2008, JHO.
135. Memo, National Security Presidential Directive/NSPD-50, The President for the Vice President et al,
US Strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa (U), 28 Sep 06, S, Box UCP 2008, JHO.
136. J-5 Policy, United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) Next Step, 4 Oct 06, S, Box UCP 2008, JHO.
137. 5X8, Joint Staff J-5 Policy, US Africa Command Implementation, 13 Oct 06, S, folder UCP 2008new/
OSDAFRICOM/UCP 2006 E-mail (742)/drea/desktop/JHO.
138. 5X8, Joint Staff J-5 Policy, US Africa Command (U) OSD Briefing, 24 Oct 06, S, folder UCP 2008new/
OSDAFRICOM/UCP 2006 E-mail (215)/drea/desktop/JHO; snowflake, Rumsfeld to Pace, EUCOM, 31 Oct 06,
FOUO, folder UCP 2008new/OSDAFRICOM/UCP2006 E-Mail (381).msg/drea/desktop, JHO; Action memo,
PDUSD(Policy) and DJS for SecDef, “Follow-up to Africa Command Briefing,” DJSM 1057-06, 3 Nov 06, S, Box
UCP 2008, JHO; snowflake, Rumsfeld to Henry, Memo on Africa Command, 6 Nov 06, S, folder UCP 2008new/
OSDAFRICOM/UCP 2006 E-mail (381). msg/drea/desktop/JHO; Action Paper, J-5 Policy, Reorganization of
EUCOM, 6 Nov 06, S. folder UCP 2008new/EUCOM/E-mail (304).msg/drea/desktop/JHO; memo, SecDef for
Secretaries of the Military Departments, et al, The Implementation Planning Team for US Africa Command(U), 7 Nov 06, S, w/attch. Terms of reference for Establishing US Africa Command (USAFRICOM), not dated,
S, Box 2008 UCP, JHO.
139. The President’s News Conference, 8 Nov 06, http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/ index.php?pid=24269&st=8&st1=#aaxzz20JZmTNWn. Secretary Rumsfeld had submitted his resignation on 6 November, theday before the elections. President Bush accepted his resignation the next day.
140. E-mails, Col Kee to RDML Pandolfe, RE: UCP 2006 CH-1 text, 21 Nov 06, 4:08 P.M., S, and Col Kee
to RDML Pandolfe, RE: UCP 2006 CH-1 text, 21 Nov 06, 12:12 P.M., S, Box 2008 UCP, JHO; Talking Paper, J-5
Policy, Unified Command Plan (UCP) 2006 Change 1, 1 Dec 06, S, Box 2008, UCP.
159

Notes to Pages 99–100
141. Pre-decisional draft Briefing, DJ-5 SP&P, Unified Command Plan 2006 Change 1, 4 Dec 06, S, Box
2008 UCP, JHO; draft 5X8, J-5 Strategic Policy, Unified Command Plan (UCP) Options, 6 Dec 06, S and 5X8,J-5 Strategic Policy, Unified Command Plan, 6 Dec 06, S, Box 2008 UCP, JHO; e-mail CAPT Roegge to LtGen
Sattler, Coordination Status on UCP 2006 Change-1, 4 Dec 06, 6:29 P.M., S, folder UCP 2008new/ucpnext08/
UCP 2006 E-Mail (197).msg/drea/desktop, JHO.
142. 5X8, J5 Strategic Policy, Unified Command Plan (UCP) Options (S), 6 Dec 06, S, Box 2008 UCP,
JHO; memo SecDef for the President, Standing-Up an Africa Command in Fiscal Year 2008 (S), 7 Dec 06, S,
Box 2008 UCP, JHO.
143. E-mails Col Reed to CAPT Roegge, RE: POTUS response on UCP 2006 Ch-1 (2).doc, 13 Dec 06, 10:27
A.M., S, folder UCP 2008new/OSDAFRICOM/UCP 2006 E-Mail (1149).msg; CDR Feyedelem to RADM Moeller,
RE: POTUS response on UCP 2006 Ch-1 (2).doc, 13 Dec 06, 10:40 A.M., S, folder UCP 2008new/OSDAFRICOM/UCP 2006 E-Mail (1145).msg; CAPT Roegge to T. Whelan, RE: POTUS response on UCP 2006 Ch-1 (2).doc, 13
Dec 06, 12:34 P.M., S, folder UCP 2008new/OSDAFRICOM/UCP 2006 E-Mail (1149).msg; memo, The President
for SecDef, Unified Combatant Command for Africa (S), 15 Dec 06, S, all Box UCP 2008, JHO. The President
did not mention AFRICOM during his 23 January 2007 State of the Union Address.
144. Fax, NSC to DOS, et al, Agenda and Discussion Paper for 19 Dec DC Mtg on Establishing a Unified
Combatant Command for Africa, w/encl memo Ex Sec, NSC, for Asst to the Vice President, et al, Deputies Committee Meeting on Establishing a Unified Combatant Command for Africa (C), 16 Dec 06, S, and briefing DASD,US Africa Command for Deputies Committee Briefing, 19 Dec 06, folder UCP 2008new/OSDAFRICOM/UCP
2006 E-Mail (121).msg/drea/desktop, JHO; Executive Report, Implementation Planning Team, United States
Africa Command Implementation Plan, 19 Dec 06, S, UCP 2008new/OSDAFRICOM/UCP 2006 E-Mail (888).
msg/drea/desktop/JHO.
145. E-mail, D. Pike to Col Kee, RE: SECDEF letter that initiates the Transition Team (S), 18 Jan 07, 10:59
A.M., S, w/attachments Action Memo CJCS for SecDef, Unified Combatant Command for Africa(S), 10 Jan
07, S, and memo, SecDef for Secretaries of the Military Departments, et al, Unified Combatant Command for
Africa (S), 12 Jan 07, S, folder UCP 2008new/OSDAFRICOM/UCP 2006 E-Mail (1216).msg/drea/desktop, JHO.
146. Position Paper, RADM Moeller, Decision for the establishment of AFRICOM as a Sub-Unified or a
Unified Command at Initial Operating Capability (IOC) declaration, 1 Feb 07, S, and 5x8, RADM Moeller, US
Africa Command Implementation Issue(U), 5 Feb 07, S, folder UCP 2008new/OSDAfricom/UCP 2006 E-Mail(206).msg/drea/desktop/JHO.
147. Hearings, SASC FY 2008 Defense Budget and FY 2008 Supplement, SecDef Gates Testimony, CQ
Congressional Transcripts, Congressional Hearings, 6 Feb 07, 4-5; News Release, Office of the White House Press
Secretary, President Bush Creates a Department of Defense Unified Combatant Command for Africa, 6 Feb 07,
http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/ 2007/02/20070206-3.html.
148. J-5 Policy, AFRICOM development chronological history, not dated but mid-Apr 07, S, folder UCP
2008new/OSDAfricom/UCP 2006 E-Mail (177).msg/drea/desktop/JHO; DASD(Africa), Implementation Guidance for Establishing US Africa Command (USAFRICOM), 30 Apr 07, S, folder UCP new2008/OSD africom/
UCP E-Mail (155).msg/drea/desktop/JHO. In mid-June Secretary Gates issued implementation guidance to thetransition team that updated his 4 April guidance. Memo, SecDef for Secretaries of the Military Departments, etal, Implementation Guidance for Establishing US Africa Command, 14 Jun 07, S, folder UCP 2008new/AFRICOM
Implementation Guidance.pdf/drea/desktop/JHO.
149. Info Paper, AFRICOM Transition Team, Trip Report from OSD-Policy AFRICOM Consultation Visit,
21 Apr 07, (FOUO), folder UCP 2008new/OSD Africom/UCP 2006 E-Mails (506).msg/drea/ desktop/JHO. DASD
(Africa) Minutes from the 8 Aug AFRICOM IPR, 14 Aug 07, S, folder UCP 2008new/OSD Africom/UCP 2006
E-Mail (114)/drea/desktop/JHO; Andrew Feickert, The Unified Command Plan and Combatant Commands:
Background and Issues for Congress, CRS Report for Congress, 17 Jul 12, Box UCP 2008, JHO.
150. Talking Paper, J-5 DDS&P, Unified Command Plan (UCP) 2007 Major Components and Timeline,
13 Mar 07, S, folder UCP 2008new/UCP 2006 E-Mail (1559).msg/drea/desktop /JHO; e-mail, LTC Finley to CDR

160

Notes to Pages 100–102
Feyedelem, FW: Response – Hot!/2006230256/Unified Command Plan 2007, 23 Jan 07, 3:38 P.M., S, folder UCP
2008new/UCP next 08/UCP 2006 E-Mail (64).msg/drea/desktop/JHO; LTC Newcomb to CDR Feyedelem, RE:
Levant (SECRET), 22 Jan 07, 10:42 A.M., S/NF, folder UCP 2008new/EUCOM/E-mail(1094).msg/drea/desktop/
JHO.
151. Message, CJCS to CSA, et al, Unified Command Plan 2008 Review, 101330Z Aug 07, U, folder UCP
08/101330ZAug07.pdf/drea/desktop/JHO.
152. Memo, Commander NORTHCOM and Commander SOUTHCOM for SecDef, Transfer of Unified
Command Plan-Assigned Defense Support of Civil Authorities’ Responsibilities for Puerto Rico and the US
Virgin Islands from US Southern Command to US Northern Command, U; Memo, SecDef for Commander US
Northern Command and Commander US Southern Command, 8 Aug 07, Box UCP 2008, JHO; E-mail, CDR
NORTHCOM to JCS/J5, RE:NORTHCOM UCP 2008 Initial Input, 10 Sep 07, 8:12 P.M., FOUO, folder UCP
2008new/FW NORTHCOM UCP 2008 Initial Input.msg/drea/desktop/JHO; memo, CDR USNORTHCOM
and CDR USSOUTHCOM for SecDef, Transfer of Unified Command Plan missions for the US Virgin Islands
and Puerto Rico from US Southern Command to US Northern Command, 12 Sep 07, Box UCP 2008, JHO.
153. Memo, USSOUTHCOM for J-5 Policy, Transfer of Unified Command Plan Missions for the US Virgin
Islands and Puerto Rico from US Southern Command to US Northern Command (J-5A 07-04255), 8 Nov 07;
e-mail, CDR Feyedelem to LTC Isacco, VIPR Memo part II, 18 Oct 07, 9:43 A.M., FOUO and e-mail, T. Mahnken,
DASD(PP) to RDML Davidson, J5/S&P, 5 Nov 07, 10:26 A.M., FOUO, Box UCP 2008, JHO.
154. Info Paper, J-6, DOD role in Cyberspace (U), 15 Feb 06, S/NF, folder UCP 2008new/UCP 2006 E-Mail(1460). Msg/drea/desktop/JHO; Briefing, DDS&P J-5, Unified Command Plan 2008 Review Vision, 24 Oct 07,(FOUO), folder J-5 backup/UCP 2008/Briefings/71024 24 Oct 07 JCS OPSDEPS/drea/desktop/JHO and Briefing,
DDS&P J-5, Unified Command Plan 2008 Review, 30 Jun 08, S/NF, 106 (FOUO), folder J-5 backup/UCP 2008/
Briefings/080630 30 Jun 08 JCS Tank (Final UCP Tank)/drea/desktop/JHO.
155. Briefing, DDS&P J-5, Unified Command Plan 2006 Change 1, 4 Dec 06, S, Box UCP 2008, JHO;
Briefing, DDS&P J-5, Potential DSLC Issues from Unified Command Plan 2008 Review, 9 Jan 08, S, 12, UCP
2008new/CJCS UCP 2008 Brief 9 Jan 08 (v5)Cut Down with Additional MD slide.ppt/drea/desktop/JHO.
156. Briefing, DDS&P J-5, Unified Command Plan 2008 Review Vision, 30 Nov 07, FOUO, folder J-5
backup/UCP 2008/Briefings/071130 30 Nov 07 CJCS Tank/drea/desktop/JHO; 5X8, N-NC/J655, Unified Command Plan 2008 GO/FO Review, 7 Nov 07, folder UCP 2008new/ucp next08/UCP 2006 E-Mail (1531).msg/drea/
desktop/JHO.
157. E-mail, CDR Coyne to R. Abbott, et al, UCP 2008 Review–3DEC07 Update, 3 Dec 07, 11:50 A.M.,
FOUO, folder UCP 2008new/UCP 2006 E-mail (1566).msg, drea/desktop/JHO; UCP Review, 4 Jan08,\\dsresource\dsusers\dreaej\ Desktop\j-5backup\UCP 2008\BRIEFINGS\080107 7 Jan 08 JCS Tank.
158. E-mail, Col Kee to RADM Pandolfe, Undated Draft “full” Tank Brief, 30 Nov 06, 3:42 PM w/attach
AFRICOM Tank, 1 Dec 06 (RADM) V5.2ppt, Briefing, AFRICOM Brief to JCS Tank by Executive Director:
AFRICOM Implementation Planning Team, 1 Dec 06, S, folder UCP 2008new/OSDAFRICOM/UCP2006 Email(1558).msg/drea/desktop/JHO.
159. 5X8s, J-5, ENRA-AF, DD Office Call with GEN Ward, 30 Jan 08, S/NF; Status of US Africa Command(USAFRICOM)(U), 16 Apr 08, S; AFRICOM In Progress Review (IPR) to SecDef, 2 May 08; Status of US Africa
Command (USAFRICOM) (U), 17 Jun 08, U; all Box UCP 2008(2), JHO.
160. 5X8, J-5 Policy, CDRUSNORTHCOM Items of Interest for UCP 2008 Review, 5 May 08, FOUO, folder
UCP 08/5x8 for J8-draft NORTHCOM UCP 2008/drea/desktop/JHO.
161. Briefing, J-5 DDS&P for CJCS, Unified Command Plan 2008 Review Vision, 20 Nov 07, FOUO,
folder UCP08/CJCS UCP 2008 Brief 20 Nov 07(v.3).ppt/drea/desktop/JHO; e-mail, CDR Coyne to R. Abbott, etal, UCP 2008 Review -3DEC07 Update, w/attachments Master GOFO CRM 1 Dec 07.xls; Master Compilationof Open Issues 1 Dec 07.xls, FOUO, not dated but based on 30 Nov 07 JCS Tank meeting, folder UCP 2008new/
UCP 2006 E mail(1566).msg/drea/desktop/JHO; Homework Assignments from 8 FEB08 OPSDEPs Tank, notdated, folder UCP 2008new/JTFS/Unresolved issues from OPSDEPs Tank 8FEB08, drea/desktop/JHO; 5X8, J-5

161

Notes to Pages 102–105
SPOL, Unified Command Plan (UCP), 3 Mar 08, folder UCP 2008new/5x8-UCP 3MAR08 for incoming DJS.
doc/drea/desktop/JHO.
162. 5X8, J-5 SPOL, Unified Command Plan (UCP), 29 May 08, folder UCP08/5x8 UCP overview & Status
as of 29 May 08, FOUO, drea/desktop/JHO.
163. Cf the wording in Pre-decisional draft briefing, J5 DDS&P, Unified Command Plan 2008 Review,
30 Jun 08, S/NF, folder J-5 backup/UCP 2008/Briefings/080630 30 Jun 08 JCS Tank (Final UCP Tank)/drea/
desktop/JHO; Pre-decisional draft briefing, J5 DDS&P, Unified Command Plan 2008 Review, 9 Aug 08, S, folder
J-5 backup/UCP 2008/Briefings/080918 OSD.NSC Briefing/drea/desktop/JHO; and UCP 2008, 17 Dec 2008.
164. TAB B – Unified Command Plan (UCP) 2008 Summary of Changes, 5 Sep 08, folder UCP 2008new/
TAB Bv3 Summary of changes UCP 2008, 5 Sept 2008.doc/drea/desktop /JHO.
165. 5X8, J-5 SPOL, Unified Command Plan (UCP), 27 Aug 07, FOUO, folder UCP08/5x8 UCP August
2007.doc/drea/desktop/JHO; 5X8, J-5 SPOL, Unified Command Plan (UCP), 19 Aug 08, FOUO, folder UCP 08/
UCP.19 Aug 08, Admiral Winnefield, drea/desktop/JHO; memo CJCS for SecDef, Unified Command Plan (UCP)
2008, w/attchs, CM-0480-08, 2 Oct 08, folder UCP08/UCP 2008—W–SecDef approval.pdf/drea/desktop/JHO.
166. Memo, SecDef for Secretaries of the Military Departments, et al, US Africa Command (USAFRICOM), 30 Sep 08, FOUO, folder OSD 08/SecDef Memo-Unified Command Responsibilities Until UCP 2008
Signed (30 Sep 08).pdf/drea/desktop/JHO; message, CJCS(SC) to AFRICOM CDR, et al, USAFRICOM Transfer
EXORD, 082142Z Sep 08, Box UCP 2008, JHO; Action Memo, CJCS for SecDef, Unified Command Plan (UCP)
2008, CM-0480-08, 2 Oct 08 and Memo SecDef for the President, Unified Command Plan 2008, 3 Oct 08, bothfolder UCP 2008–w–SecDef approval.pdf/drea/desktop/JHO.
167. Action Memo, CJCS for SecDef, Unified Command Plan (UCP) 2008, CM-0480-08, 2 Oct 08 andMemo SecDef for the President, Unified Command Plan 2008, 3 Oct 08, both folder UCP 2008–w–SecDef
approval.pdf/drea/desktop/JHO; Memo CJCS for Chiefs of Services, et al, Distribution of Unified Command
Plan 2008 (UCP 08), MCM 0044-08, 23 Dec 08, Box UCP 2008, JHO.
168. Director of Strategic Plans and Policy, DDS&P, DJ-5 Briefing, Unified Command Plan, 17 Jun 09,
FOUO, JHO.
169. DDS&P, J-5, Unified Command Plan (UCP) 2010 Review “Business Rules,” 17 Aug 09, JHO.
170. DDS&P, J-5, Unified Command Plan (UCP) 2010 Review “Business Rules,” 17 Aug 09, JHO.
171. Memo, CJCS for Chief of the Military Services and Commanders of the Combatant Commands, Unified Command Plan (UCP) 2010 Review, CM-0881-09, 25 Sep 09, JHO; DDS&P, J-5, JSAP, Commence Unified
Command Plan (UCP) 2010 Online Collaboration Period, 29 Oct 09, JHO.
172. Strategic Alignment Division, UCP 2010 Issue Development Paper Submission Summary, 6 Nov 09,
S/NF, JHO; Briefing, DDS&P, UCP 2010 Review: OPSDEPs Tank #5, 5 May 10, S, JHO.
173. DDS&P, Strategic Alignment Division, UCP 2010 “Slate” (DJ5 Validated), 14 Dec 09, S/NF, JHO. Twoother IDPs were withdrawn by the submitting COCOM. CENTCOM rescinded its recommendation to assign
the Palestinian Authority to its AOR and SOCOM dropped its proposal for joint proponency for Security Force
Assistance. Six proposed issues were rejected at the one-star level; four at the two-star, and one at the three star.
174. DDS&P, Strategic Alignment Division, UCP 2010 “Slate” (DJ5 Validated), 14 Dec 09, S/NF, JHO.
175. DDS&P, Adjudication Brief DDS&P “Results” – Pending DJ5 Approval, 15-18 Mar 10, S, JHO.
176. Briefing, DDS&P, UCP 2010 Review: OPSDEPs Tank #1, 7 Apr 10, JHO.
177. Briefing, DDS&P, Arctic Region, not dated but early 2009, folder UCP 10, JHO. NSPD-66/HSPD-25, 9January 2009 identified fundamental US national security interests in the Arctic and called for greater capabilities
to protect US interests in the 30 Oct 09, FOUO, w/attachments Memo CJCS for Commander North American
Aerospace Defense Command and US Northern Command, Reference Policy Recommendations for the Arctic
Region, CM-0460-08, 16 Sep 08 and Memo The President for the Vice-President et al, NSPD 66/HSPD 25, Arctic
Region Policy, 12 Jan 09, JHO.
178. Briefing, DDS&P, UCP 2010 Review: OPSDEPs Tank #1, 7 Apr 10, and marginalia, file 1004-07 April

162

Notes to Pages 105–107
2010-UCP 2010 Review, JHO; DDS&P, Strategic Alignment Division, UCP 2010 “Slate” (DJ5 Validated), 14 Dec
09, S/NF, JHO; IDP, Arctic, Notebook, Tab 5, J-5 JSP.
179. Message, AMEMBASSY Port Louis/SECSTATE to SECDEF/Joint Staff, Embassy and Africa Bureau
Oppose Transfer of Seychelles to CENTCOM AOR, 28 Dec 09, C, JHO.
180. Memo Assistant SecState for African Affairs, DOS to Commander AFRICOM, Opposition to theTransfer of Seychelles to the CENTCOM AOR, 29 Mar 10, S and memo Commander AFRICOM for CJCS, US
Africa Command and US Central Command Unified Command Plan (UCP) Boundary Change Proposals, 30
Mar 10, S/NF in Briefing DDS&P, UCP 2010 Review: OPSDEPs Tank #1, slide 24, 7 Apr 10, and marginalia, JHO.
181. JSAP, J-5/SPOL to CJCS, /SL-JFCOM/Renaming of US Joint Forces Command to US Joint and Coalition Forces Command, 20 Jan 10; Action memo DASD(Strategy) for DUSD (SPF), Concurrence in Considerationof Renaming Joint Forces Command as Part of UCP Process, 21 Jan 10, both JHO.
182. Briefing, DDS&P, UCP 2010 Review: OPSDEPs Tank #1, 14 Apr 10, JHO.
183. Briefing DDS&P, UCP 2010 Review: OPSDEPs Tank #3, 21 Apr 10, JHO.
184. Briefing, DDS&P, UCP 2010 Review: OPSDEPs Tank #4, 28 Apr 10, JHO; Memo SecDef for Secretaries of the Military Departments, et al, Establishment of a Subordinate Unified US Cyber Command Under US
Strategic Command for Military Cyberspace Operations, 23 Jun 09, FOUO, JHO.
185. Briefing, DDS&P, UCP 2010 Review: OPSDEPs Tank #5, 5 May 10, S, JHO. The Joint Staff wanted
STRATCOM for the CWMD “Global Synchronizer.” OSD preferred SJFHQ-E assignment to either STRATCOM
or JFCOM but did not want to interfere with SOCOM’s GWOT missions. Briefing, J-5, SS&P, UCP 2010 Review
OPSDEPS Tank #7, 19 Jul 10, S, JHO.
186. Briefing, DDS&P, UCP 2010 Review; JCS Tank #1, 21 May 10, U, JHO.
187. Action memo CJCS for SecDef, Senator Inouye’s Request to Maintain Current Structure of USPACOM’s Area of Responsibility (AOR), CM-1076-10, 2 Jun 10 and Letter SecDef to Inouye, 15 Jun 10, JHO. Forcesin CONUS were typically assigned to PACOM or JFCOM but resided in the NORTHCOM AOR. Thus naval
forces in San Deigo were assigned to PACOM but were stationed in NORTHCOM’s AOR. Briefing, J-5, DDS&P,
UCP 2010 Review JCS Tank #2, 28 May 10.
188. Briefing, DDS&P, UCP 2010 Review; JCS Tank #2, 28 May 10, S, JHO.
189. Briefing, DDS&P, UCP 2010 Review, OPSDEPs Tank # 6, 21 Jun 10, S, JHO.
190. The three JCS tanks met 21 May, 11 June, and 28 June, and four OPSDEPs meetings were held 14 April,
21 April, 21 June, and 19 July. OASD(PA), News Transcript, DOD News Briefing with Secretary Gates from thePentagon, 9 Aug 10, http://www.defense.gov/Transcripts/Transcript.aspx?TranscriptID=4669; Defense Business
Board, Reducing Overhead and Improving Business Operations: Initial Observations, 22 Jul 10, [#3] & #40; Case
#60-10 & #41; & 40, ECM, SPIR; e-mail USJFCOM J00 to All JFCOM, Message from the Secretary of Defense to
All Hands at US Joint Forces Command, 9 Aug 10 3:24 PM, JHO; Memo SecDef for Secretaries of the Military
Departments, et al, Department of Defense (DOD) Efficiency Initiatives, 16 Aug 10, JHO; Memo The President
for SecDef, Disestablishment of United States Joint Forces Command, 6 Jan 11, JHO; Unified Command Plan
2011, 6 April 2011, FOUO, JHO.
191. Info Paper, J-5, SPOL, J-5, SP, Unified Command Plan (UCP) 2010 Issue Decisions, 31 Aug 10, FOUO,
JHO.
192. Action memo, CJCS for SecDef, Unified Command Plan (UCP) 2010, CM-1235-10, 1 Nov 10, JHO.
193. Memo SecDef for Secretaries of the Military Departments, et al, Changing the Term Psychological
Operations (PSYOP) to Military Information Support Operations (MISO), 3 Dec 2010, FOUO, JHO.
194. Memo SecDef for Secretaries of the Military Departments, et al, United States Joint Forces Command
Disestablishment, 9 Feb 11, JHO.
195. Memo SecDef for the President, Unified Command Plan (UCP) 2010, 11 Mar 11, JHO: Memo SecDef
for Secretaries of the Military Departments, et al, Track Four Efficiency Initiatives Decisions, 14 Mar 11, JHO:
Memo SecDef for Secretaries of the Military Departments, et al, Reassignment and Realignment of USJFCOM

163

Notes to Pages 107–108
Organizations and Functions, 27 Apr 11, S, JHO.
196. Memo The President for SecDef, Unified Command Plan 2011, 6 Apr 11, JHO.
197. JSAP, J-5, DDJSP, SAD, to CJCS, CJCS Initiates Unified Command Plan (UCP) 2011 Change 1 Review(U/FOUO), 25 Feb 11, FOUO, JHO. As part of an internal J-5 reorganization DDJSP replaced DDS&P. The objective was to bring national security strategy under one directorate.
198. Memo CJCS for Chiefs of the Military Services, Commanders of the Combatant Commands, Unified
Command Plan (UCP) 2011 Change 1 Review, CM-1397-11, 2 May 11, and Enclosure B, Unified Command Plan
(UCP) 2011 Change 1 Review “Business Rules,” JHO.
199. Briefing, DDJSP, UCP 2011 Change One Planner Level Conference “Introduction,” 6 May 11, S, JHO;
e-mail Cdr Bottleson, DJ5 Adjudication Slides Posted, 18 May 11, 3:12 PM; e-mail Cdr Bottleson, OPSDEPs Tank
Results, 15 Jun 11, 10:36 AM; e-mail Cdr Bottleson, JCS Tank Cancelled/4-star coordination next, 21 Jun 11, 7:29
AM; e-mail Cdr Bottleson, 4-star coordination complete, 19 Jul 11, 9:45 AM; e-mail Cdr Bottleson, DJ5, UCP
2011 Change 1 with NSS for staffing, 16 Aug 11, 0931 AM; http://intelshare.intelink.sgov.gov/sites/jointstaff/j5/
UCP2011/Lists/Announcements/AllItems.aspx; Action memo, CJCS for SecDef, Unified Command Plan (UCP)
2011 Change 1, CM-1508-11, 4 Aug 11, FOUO, JHO; Memo, SecDef for The President, Unified Command Plan
(UCP) 2011 Change 1, 12 Aug 11, JHO; Memo, The President for SecDef, Revisions to the Unified Command
Plan 2011, 12 Sep 11, JHO; Memo, Director, Joint Staff, for Chiefs of the Military Services, Commanders of the
Combatant Commands, Distribution of Unified Command Plan 2011 (UCP 11) Change 1, DJSM 0604-11, 21
Sep 11, JHO.

164

indexIndex
Abrams, General Creighton, USA: 2
Adams, General Paul D., USA: 3
Addington, David: 60–61
Aden, Gulf of: 34, 62, 63
Administrative responsibilities: 12, 14, 16, 20, 45–46
Aerospace Defense Command (ADCOM): 30, 31–32,
33, 49, 52, 55, 56
Afghanistan: 4, 39, 40, 42, 45, 47, 98
Africa: 21, 22, 34, 41–42, 44–47, 51, 89, 90, 94, 95, 96,
97, 98-100, 108
Africa, sub-Saharan: 24–25, 28, 33, 34, 38–39, 40, 47,
48, 49, 51, 52, 87, 98
Air Combat Command (ACC): 5, 65, 67, 68
Air Defense, continental United States: 17–19, 20, 30,
31–33, 52, 64, 81, 89–90, 97
Air Division, 2nd: 26
Air Mobility Command: 61
Aircraft
A-7 Corsair IIs: 37
B-1 bombers: 65
B-52s: 2, 26
F-4 Phantoms: 37
Alaska: 10, 18–20, 29, 31, 32, 33, 49, 51, 52, 58, 62,
81–82, 84, 85, 104, 105, 106, 107
Alaskan Air Command: 62
Alaskan Command (ALCOM): 10, 11, 17, 18–20, 28,
29, 30, 33, 62
Arctic airways responsibility: 14, 18–19
disestablishment of: 31–32
Alaskan Sea Frontier: 29
Aleutian Islands: 10, 28, 29, 48, 49, 51, 52, 92, 93, 94, 95
Algeria: 14, 47
Alliance for Progress: 25
Americas Command, proposed: 63, 66–67, 75, 81,
82–83, 84, 87, 88, 89, 90, 108
Antarctica: 33, 84
Antilles: 10
Antilles Defense Command (ANTEDEF-COM): 42,
43, 44Anti-satellite mission: 63
Antisubmarine warfare (ASW): 15, 16, 29, 33
Arab-Israeli Wars

1967: 4
1973: 31, 39
Arabian Sea: 24, 47, 62, 74
ARC LIGHT: 26
Arctic airways: 10, 14
Arctic Ocean: 29, 33, 104–05, 106, 107
Areas of interest/influence, flexibility of: 48, 49, 50
Armenia: 5, 75
Arms control agreements: 2–3, 65–66, 75
Army Air Defense Command (ARADCOM): 30, 33
Army Air Forces: 2, 9, 11
Army Forces Command (FORSCOM): 5, 60
Aspin, Les: 66, 68–69
Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs: 37
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and
Low-Intensity Conflict: 57, 91, 92
Atlantic Command (LANTCOM/USACOM): 17,
31–32, 33, 81–82
Africa responsibility: 22, 24, 38–39
Antilles Defense Command: 42, 43, 44
antisubmarine warfare: 15, 16, 51
area of responsibility: 5, 28, 29, 31, 48, 52, 67, 74
Caribbean Combined Joint Task Force (CCJTF):
42, 43
Caribbean responsibility: 42–44, 47–48, 50
Cuba responsibility: 22–23
Dominican intervention, 1965: 23
establishment of: 11–12
evolution of: 63, 65–69, 73
Greenland responsibility: 48, 51, 52
headquarters reduction: 32
and homeland defense: 76
Iceland responsibility: 51
and joint doctrine: 5, 67, 68
and joint training: 5, 67, 68, 74
Latin America responsibility: 50
Panama Canal responsibility: 37–38
Portugal responsibility: 48
Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force (RDJTF)
responsibility: 47–48

167

IndexSouthern Command, integration with: 48, 50, 61,
63–64, 73, 74
Atlantic Fleet (LANDTFLT): 5, 10, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68
Atlantic Ocean, responsibility for: 5, 29, 33, 42, 43–44,
61, 74, 81–82, 83, 84, 85
Austria: 13, 14
Azerbaijan: 5, 75
Azores: 48

Bahama Islands: 94
Bahrain: 45, 47
Ballistic missile defense system: 55–56, 63–66, 86–87,
89, 96, 97–98, 100, 101, 102, 108
Belarus: 5, 73, 75
Belgium: 14, 24–25
Belize: 104
Bengal, Bay of: 24
Berlin: 14
Blue Ribbon Commission on Defense Management: 59
Blue Ribbon Defense Panel: 4, 27, 28–29
Bonin Islands: 1, 9, 15
Boykin, Lieutenant General William G., USA: 91
BRIGHT STAR exercise: 42
Brown, General George, USAF: 2
Brown, Harold: 4
Burba, General Edwin H., Jr., USA: 66–67, 68
Burke, Admiral Arleigh, USN: 2
Bush, George H. W.: 65Bush, George W.: 84, 85, 86–87, 88, 92, 96, 99, 100, 102
Butler, Lieutenant General George Lee, USAF: 3, 4–5,
63–64, 65

Cambodia: 30
Cambone, Stephen: 81, 83, 91
Canada: 11–13, 20, 30, 32–33, 55, 81, 83, 84, 89–90
Cape Verde Islands: 104, 107
Caribbean: 5, 15, 31, 42–44, 48, 50, 61–62, 73, 74–75, 97
Caribbean Combined Joint Task Force (CCJTF): 42,
43, 44
Caribbean Command: 10, 11, 15, 17, 19, 25
Caribbean Islands: 19, 21, 28
Caribbean Sea Frontier: 15
Carter, Jimmy: 37, 39, 40–41, 42
Carter Doctrine: 40–41
Caspian Sea: 84, 104, 105
168

Cassidy, General Duane H., USAF: 59, 60
Central America: 19, 25, 29, 42–44, 48, 74, 104
Chain, General John T., USAF: 64, 65
Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staffand organization of commands: 22, 23, 31, 33,
34, 40, 44
and responsibilities of commanders: 18, 24
Cheney, Richard: 4, 60, 61
Chile: 74
China: 9, 10, 14, 38, 48, 49, 51, 52, 73
Civil authorities (US), military support to: 75–77
Civilian control issue: 16–17, 20, 27
Clark, William P.: 56
Clinton, William J.: 69, 74–75, 77
Cohen, William: 56–57, 76, 77
Cold War: 2, 22–23, 24, 55, 56, 62, 63, 69
Colorado Springs, Colorado: 83, 84, 87
Command, control, communications, computers,
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR), responsibility for: 86–87, 96
Command Post Exercise (CPX): 42
Commander, 19th Air Force: 22–23
Commander, African Command: 101, 102
Commander, Caribbean Sea Frontier: 15
Commander, Rapid Development Joint Task Force:
41, 44, 45, 46
Commander, Tactical Air Command: 24
Commander, US Air Force Air Defense Command: 17
Commander, US Forces, Japan: 19
Commander, US Forces, Korea: 19
Commander, US Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (COMUSMACV): 1–2, 25–26. See also
Military Assistance Command, Vietnam.
Commander, US Naval Forces Vietnam: 26
Commander in Chief, Aerospace Defense Command (CINCAD): 32, 55. See also Aerospace
Defense Command.
Commander in Chief, Alaskan Command (CINCAL):
10, 14, 29. See also Alaskan Command.
Commander in Chief, Atlantic (CINCLANT): 11–12,
15, 16, 18, 19, 22–23, 24, 29, 33, 38, 39, 42, 43,
46, 48, 49–50, 67, 68, 69. See also Atlantic
Command.
Commander in Chief, Continental Air Defense Command (CINCONAD): 17, 18, 20, 21, 25, 27, 30.
See also Continental Air Defense Command.
Commander in Chief, European Command (CINCEUR): 11, 12, 13–14, 16, 21–22, 24–25, 29,
33, 39, 40, 41–42, 49–50, 104, 107. See also US

IndexEuropean Command.
Commander in Chief, Far East (CINCFE): 1, 9, 14, 15–16,
18–19. See also Far East Command.
Commander in Chief, Middle East, Africa south of the
Sahara, and South Asia (CINCMEAFSA):
38. See also Middle East, Africa south of the
Sahara, and South Asia.
Commander in Chief, Military Airlift Command(CINCMAC): 34, 60. See also Military Airlift Command.
Commander in Chief, North American Air Defense
Command (CINCNORAD): 20, 25, 30, 31,
32–33, 56, 81, 90. See also North American
Air Defense Command.
Commander in Chief, Northeast Command: 14, 16, 18
Commander in Chief, Northern Command (CINCNORTHCOM): 84. See also US Northern
Command.
Commander in Chief, Pacific (CINCPAC): 1–2, 9–10,
15, 16, 18–19, 25–26, 29, 32, 33, 34, 39, 41–42,
46, 47. See also US Pacific Command.
Commander in Chief, Pacific Air Forces (CINCPACAF): 25–26
Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT):19, 25–26
Commander in Chief, Strategic Air Command(CINCSAC): 2–3, 12, 25–26, 29, 33, 64, 65.
See also Strategic Air Command.
Commander in Chief, Strike Command (CINCSTRIKE): 3–4, 23, 24, 27, 29, 38. See also US
Strike Command.
Commander in Chief, US Air Forces in Europe (CINCUSAFE): 13
Commander in Chief, US Naval Forces, Eastern
Atlantic and Mediterranean (CINCNELM):
11, 12, 13, 16, 19, 21–22, 24. See also US Naval
Forces, Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean.
Commanders in Chief Conferences
1983: 48
1991: 66
1992: 67
1995: 74
1997: 75
1998: 76
2003: 88
Commanding General, 2nd Air Division: 26
Commanding General, 7th Air Force: 26
Commanding General, XVIII Airborne Corps: 22–23
Commanding General, Continental Army Command:
24

Commanding General, US Army, Pacific: 19
Commission on Roles and Missions of the Armed
Forces (1995): 73, 74
Communism, defense against: 2, 22–23, 24, 25–26, 28,
38–39, 44, 47, 48, 49, 63
Computer network defense: 75, 76. See also Cyberspace, control of.
Congo: 3–4, 22, 24, 25
Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD): 17–18,
20–21, 25, 28, 30, 31–32, 33
Continental Army Command (CONARC): 22–23
Costello, Rear Admiral Barry M.: 83
Counter-drug operations: 73, 74
Crist, General George B., Jr., USMC: 57
Crowe, Admiral William J., Jr., USN: 57–58, 60, 69
Cuba: 22–23, 37–38, 42, 43, 47, 48, 61, 94
Cuban missile crisis: 22–23
Curacao: 15
Cyber Command (CYBERCOM): 106
Cyberspace, control of: 75, 92, 94, 95, 96, 97–98, 100–
101, 102, 104, 105, 107, 108

Daniel, Dan: 56–57
Defense, Department of1953 reorganization: 16–17
1958 reorganization: 20–21
1969 study of: 27
1973 study of: 30
1986 reorganization: 55
Defense, Office of the Secretary of
Security Cooperation Guidance: 93
and the UCP process: 81, 83, 84–85, 86–87, 88–89,
90–91, 93, 94, 97, 100–101, 102–03, 108
Defense Business Board: 106
Defense Business Operations Fund (DBOF): 61
Defense Intelligence Agency: 37–38
Defense Planning Guidance: 87
Denmark: 14
Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1982: 59
Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1958:
20–21
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy:
90–91, 92–93
DESERT SHIELD/STORM: 60, 64–65, 67
Diego Garcia: 46
Disaster relief, planning for: 28, 29, 31, 33, 40, 43, 67,
68, 100, 102169

IndexDjibouti: 45, 47, 51
Dominican Republic: 23

Early warning system: 18
Eastern Europe: 51, 52, 63
Eberhart, General Ralph E., USAF: 90
Edelman, Eric: 96
Egypt: 42, 45, 46, 47, 51
Eisenhower, General Dwight D., USA: 9, 16, 20
Eisenhower administration: 16, 17
El Salvador: 43
Ellis, Admiral James O.: 85
Ent Air Force Base, Colorado: 17
Estes, General Howell M., III, USAF: 75
Ethiopia: 44, 47, 51, 96

Far East Command (FECOM): 1, 10, 11, 15–16, 17,
18–20
Forces Command (FORSCOM). See US Army Forces
Command.
Formosa: 15
France: 14

Gates, Robert M.: 99, 100–101, 102, 106–07
Georgia: 5, 75
Germany: 10, 13, 14
Global War on Terrorism: 81–82, 89, 90, 91–92, 96, 98,
101, 102, 109
Goldwater-Nichols DOD Reorganization Act of 1986:
4, 5, 55, 58, 60, 62, 64, 69, 108–09
Greece: 14
Greenland: 10, 12–13, 20, 33, 49, 51, 52, 84
Guatemala: 104

Haiti: 73
Hamre, John: 76
Hansen, Lieutenant General Alfred G., USAF: 59
Hartinger, General James V., USAF: 55
Hawaiian Sea Frontier: 29
Headquarters reductions: 32, 33, 63, 84–85
Herres, General Robert T., USAF: 56
Hoar, General Joseph P., USMC: 67
Homeland defense: 5, 75–77, 81, 82–83, 84, 85, 87,
170

88, 89, 90, 92, 93, 95, 96, 100, 101, 104, 105,
106–109
Homeland Security, Office of: 83
Horner, General Charles, USAF: 67
Humanitarian assistance: 67, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 101,
102, 108

Iceland: 51, 84
India: 45, 73
Indian Ocean: 2, 24, 29, 31–32, 33–34, 41, 44, 45, 46,
47, 51, 52, 62, 73, 74
Indonesia: 19
Infantry brigades
172nd: 30
193rd: 30, 37
Inouye, Daniel K.: 105, 106
Institute for Defense Analysis: 85, 86, 90
Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICMBs): 2
Iran: 28, 29, 39, 44, 45, 47
Iraq: 45, 47, 98, 99
Israel: 39, 45, 46–47, 62, 87–88
Italy: 14

Japan: 1, 9, 15, 19, 30, 31, 49, 62
Joint Chiefs of Staff
and biennial review of the Unified Command
Plan: 5, 37, 41, 47–50
and command structure review of 1974–1975: 31
and communist nations: 49, 51
and Latin America: 43–44
and MEAFSA: 38–40
Memorandum of Policy 181: 37, 41, 52
and Mexico: 43
and the Middle East: 19
and nuclear weapons: 2–3
and Pacific Islands: 1
and proposals for command for homeland
defense: 81, 82–84
and the RDJTF: 45–46, 47role of: 10–11, 12, 13, 14–15, 16–17, 20, 27, 31
and sub-Saharan Africa: 38–39
and US Southern Command: 28
Joint Communications Support Element: 46
Joint Deployment Agency (JDA): 59, 60
Joint doctrine, development of: 3, 4, 5, 23, 29, 67, 68,Index76, 92
Joint Forces Command (JFCOM): 5, 6, 75, 76, 77, 81,
82–83, 84, 85, 87, 88, 89, 90, 92, 93, 95, 96,
100, 101, 104, 105, 106–08, 109
Joint Middle East Planning Committee: 19
Joint National Contingency Force: 66
Joint Operation Planning System: 58, 62
Joint Planning Staff for Space: 56
Joint Special Operations Agency (JSOA): 57
Joint Special Operations Command: 49
Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff (JSTPS): 2, 64
Joint Task Force-4: 23, 24
Joint Task Force-Civil Support: 5, 76, 77
Joint Task Force-Computer Network Defense: 76
Joint Task Force-Cuba: 23
Joint Task Force headquarters staffs: 4, 22
Joint training, responsibility for: 3, 4, 5, 23, 29, 31, 32,
45, 58, 67, 68, 74, 77, 83, 84, 92
Joint Vision 2010: 76
Jordan: 25, 45, 47
JUST CAUSE: 60

Kazakhstan: 5, 73, 75, 97
Kelley, Major General P. X., USMC: 40
Kelly, Lieutenant General Thomas W., USA: 57
Kelso, Admiral Frank B., II, USN: 65
Kennedy, John F.: 25–26
Kenya: 45, 47, 51
Key West Agreement: 12, 17, 18
Korea: 30, 31, 49, 51, 62, 73
Korean War: 1, 5, 15–16
Krygizstan: 5, 75
Kutyna, General Donald J., USAF: 64–65
Kuwait: 45, 47, 60
Kwajalein: 25

Labrador, Canada: 10, 12–13
Laos: 1–2, 30
Latin America: 19, 25, 28, 31, 42–44, 48, 50, 69, 73, 74
Lebanon: 46–47, 62, 87–88
Leland, Lieutenant General Edwin S., USA: 68
Libya: 14, 25, 47
Lindsay, General James J., USA: 57, 58
Logistic responsibilities: 12, 14, 15, 16, 20, 41, 45–46,
74, 75, 76, 87, 88, 92, 93-94, 95–96, 104, 107

Luxembourg: 14

MacArthur, General Douglas: 9, 15–16
MacDill Air Force Base, Florida: 29, 45, 46, 47
Madagascar: 51, 52
Madeira Islands: 48
Malagasy Republic: 33, 34
Maldive Islands: 34
Mariana Islands: 1, 9, 15
Marine Amphibious Force, I: 46
Marine Forces Atlantic (MARLANT): 5
Mauritius: 34
McNamara, Robert S.: 3–4, 22, 23–24, 58
McPeak, General Merrill A., USAF: 66–67
Mediterranean Sea: 14, 28, 29, 33
Mexico: 19, 20, 25, 29, 33, 42, 43, 44, 48, 62–63, 84,
98, 104
Mexico, Gulf of: 5, 74–75
Miami, Florida: 73
Middle East: 4, 21, 24, 28, 29, 31–32, 33–34, 87–88
Carter Doctrine: 40–41
peace process: 87
Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force (RDJTF):
39–42, 44–47
Middle East, Africa south of the Sahara, and South
Asia (MEAFSA): 3–4, 24–25, 27, 28, 29,
38–40, 41–42
Middle East Command (MECOM): 19, 21
Middle East Force: 47
Middle East Task Force: 40
Military Airlift Command (MAC): 34, 59, 60, 62, 65,
67
Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV):
1, 25–26, 29
Military assistance programs: 14, 16, 19, 22, 24, 25
Military Sealift Command (MSC): 59, 60, 61
Military Traffic Management Command (MTMC):
59, 60, 61
Miller, Admiral Paul David, USN: 65–66, 69
Missiles. See Ballistic Missile defense; National missile
defense; Strategic nuclear forces.
Moeller, Rear Admiral Robert T.: 99–100
Moldova: 5, 75
Mongolia: 51, 52
Morocco: 14, 47
Mullen, Admiral Michael: 101, 102, 107–08

171

IndexMundy, General Carl E., Jr., USMC: 67
Mutual Defense Assistance Program (MDAP): 19
Mutual Security Program (MSP): 14
Myers, General Richard B., USAF: 81, 82–83, 84, 85,
86–89, 90, 93, 95

National Defense Sealift Fund: 61
National Military Command Structure System(NMCSS): 37
National Military Strategy: 69
National missile defense: 55–56, 65–66, 75, 86–87, 89,
96, 97–98, 100, 101, 102, 108
National Security Act of 1947: 12, 20
National Security Presidential Directive: 98
National Space Policy: 55
National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace: 96
Naval Special Warfare Groups: 58
Near Term Pre-Positioning Fleet: 46
Netherlands: 14, 15
Newfoundland, Canada: 10, 12–13
Nicaragua: 43
NIFTY NUGGET exercise: 59
Nike Zeus missile unit: 25
Nimitz, Admiral Chester W.: 9
Nixon, Richard M.: 29
Noncombatant evacuations: 4, 22, 23, 25, 28, 29, 31,
33, 38, 40, 47, 61
Norfolk, Virginia: 83
North Africa responsibility: 14
North American Air Defense Command (NORAD):20, 30, 56, 63, 81, 82, 83, 84, 87, 89–90, 97
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO): 13–14,
24, 32, 40, 49, 51, 67, 68, 85, 90, 104
North Korea: 48, 49, 51, 52
Northeast Asia Command: 31, 32, 62, 73
Norway: 14
Norwegian Sea: 51
Nuclear weapons. See Strategic nuclear forces.
Nunn, Sam: 57

Obama, Barack: 106–07, 108
Okinawa: 31
Oman: 45, 47
Oman, Gulf of: 34, 62–63
Outline Command Plan: 1, 9–10

172

Pace, General Peter, USMC: 84, 88, 94, 95, 96, 97, 99,
100
Pacific Air Forces (PACAF): 1–2, 17
Pacific Command. See US Pacific Command.
Pacific Fleet (PACFLT): 1–2, 64, 65
Pacific Ocean, responsibility for: 15, 29, 33, 62
Packard, David A.: 28–29
Packard Commission: 59–60
Pakistan: 39, 45, 47, 73
Palastra, General Joseph T., Jr., USA: 58
Panama: 10, 11, 37, 60
Panama Canal negotiations: 32
Panama Canal Zone: 10, 15, 28, 29, 31, 37–38, 42–44
Pandemic disease outbreaks: 96, 97–98, 100, 101, 102, 108
Panetta, Leon: 108
Partnership for Peace: 73
Peacekeeping operations: 67, 68
Perry, William J.: 74–75
Persian Gulf: 24, 28, 29, 39–42, 44–47, 62
Pescadores Islands: 15
Philippines: 1, 9, 15, 19
Portugal: 48, 49
Powell, General Colin L., USA: 3, 4–5, 55, 60–61, 63,
64, 65–66, 67–69
Puerto Rico: 44, 68, 84, 94, 97, 100, 102

Qatar: 45, 47
Quadrennial Defense Review
2001: 81
2005: 93, 94

Ralston, General Joseph, USAF: 85
Rapid deployment forces: 44–47, 48, 49
Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force (RDJTF): 39–40,
41–42, 44–48, 49
Readiness Command. See US Readiness Command.
Reagan, Ronald W.: 44, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59
Red Sea: 24, 28, 29, 44, 45, 62
Report on Role and Missions of the Armed Forces,
1993: 66, 68
ROLLING THUNDER: 26
Rumsfeld, Donald: 81, 83, 84–85, 86–89, 90, 91, 92, 94,
95, 96, 97, 98–99, 100, 102, 105
Russia: 84
Ryukyu Islands: 9, 19

Index
Sandwich Islands: 107
Saudi Arabia: 45, 47, 60, 67
Schlesinger, James R.: 2, 4, 31–32, 33
Schoomaker, General Peter J., USA: 91
Senior US Military Officer Assigned to Korea (SUSMOAK): 104, 107
Seychelle Islands: 34, 92, 104, 105, 106, 107
Shalikashvili, General John M., USA: 5, 67, 73, 74–75
Sheehan, General John M., USMC: 73, 74
Shelton, General Hugh H., USA: 5, 76–77
Single Integrated Operations Plan (SIOP): 49, 64, 65
Somalia: 45, 47, 51
South America: 19, 25, 29, 42–44, 74, 88
South Korea: 9, 14, 15–16, 19
Southeast Asia: 19, 25–26
Southern Asia: 4, 24, 29
Southern Command. See US Southern Command.
Southwest Asia: 31, 32, 42, 44–45, 49, 58
Space Command. See US Space Command.
Space missions, responsibility for: 25, 32–33, 49, 55–56,
63–66, 75, 85–86
Spain: 16
Special Operations Command. See US Special Operations Command.
Sputnik: 20
Standing Joint Task Force Headquarters (SJTFHs): 82,
87, 88, 89, 90, 92, 94, 96, 106, 107, 108
START II Treaty: 65–66, 75
State, US Department ofand base rights in Middle East states: 46
and military command arrangements for Africa:
24, 101
and military command arrangements for former
Soviet states: 75
and military command arrangements for the
Middle East: 21, 24
and the Seychelle Islands: 105, 106
and US Space Command: 75
and the Vietnam War: 26
Steadman, Richard C.: 37
Stevens, Ted: 62
Strategic Air Command (SAC): 2–3, 11, 12, 15, 17, 21,
26, 28, 31–32, 33, 63–65, 67
Strategic Army Corps (STRAC): 3, 23
Strategic Command. See US Strategic Command.
Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI): 55, 56
Strategic information operations: 86–87. See also
Cyberspace.

Strategic mobility planning: 58, 59–61
Strategic nuclear forces: 2–3, 25, 48, 49–50, 63–66,
85–86, 87. See also Nike Zeus missile unit;
Submarines.
Strike Command. See US Strike Command.
Submarines
ballistic missile: 64, 65
Polaris: 2
Poseidon: 64
Trident: 64
Sudan: 46, 47
Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic (SACLANT):82, 83, 84, 85
Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR):
13–14
Syria: 45, 46–47, 62, 87–88

Tactical Air Command (TAC): 3, 22–23, 58, 64, 65,
66, 67
Taiwan: 1, 17, 19
Tajikistan: 5, 75
Task Force 70: 46, 47
Terrorism, threats from: 5–6, 48, 75–77, 81, 98
Thailand: 29–30
Transportation Command. See US Transportation
Command.
Trieste, France: 14
Trinidad: 15
Truman, Harry S.: 9, 15Tunisia: 14, 47
Turkmenistan: 5, 75

UCP 21 (study): 5, 76
Ukraine: 5, 73, 75
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
and Afghanistan: 4, 40–41, 42
and Africa: 38
assignment of former states to commands: 5, 51,
65, 73, 75
assignment to a command: 43, 51, 65
and Cuba: 37–38, 42, 43
and Iran: 44
JCS responsibility for: 48, 49, 51
and Latin America: 28, 48
and the Middle East: 39, 41
and the need for a rapid deployment force: 47
173

Indexand the Panama Canal: 37–38
and space: 20, 25, 75
and Sputnik: 20
threat of atomic air attack by: 17, 55–56, 64
United Arab Emirates: 45, 47
United Kingdom: 10, 12–13, 14, 15, 22, 24
United Nations Command (UNC): 15–16, 73
United Nations Trust Territories: 25
US Africa Command (USAFRICOM): 97, 98–100, 101,
102, 103–04, 105, 107, 108, 109
US Air Forceand organization of commands: 2, 3–4, 13, 21–22,
23–24, 28, 31, 33, 34, 37, 40, 55–56, 57, 58, 59,
60, 62, 63, 65, 66, 67, 73, 82, 83, 84, 87
and responsibilities of commanders: 18, 24
and the Vietnam War: 1–2
US Air Force, 7th: 26
US Air Force Air Defense Command: 17–18
US Air Forces, Europe (USAFE): 13–14, 17, 19
US Armyheadquarters reductions: 30
and organization of commands: 1, 2, 3–4, 9, 11,
13, 19, 21–22, 23–24, 28–29, 30–31, 33, 38–39,
40, 41, 42, 43–44, 48–49, 51, 55, 56, 57, 59, 60,
62, 63, 65, 66, 68, 73, 82, 83, 84, 106
and responsibilities of commanders: 18, 24
and the Vietnam War: 1–2
US Army Alaska (USARAL): 30
US Army Antiaircraft Command: 17–18
US Army CINCPAC Support Group: 30
US Army Forces, Southern Command: 30
US Army Forces Command (FORSCOM): 58, 60, 62,
63–64, 66–67, 68–69
US Army Forces Europe: 14
US Army Pacific: 30
US Atlantic Command (USACOM). See Atlantic
Command.
US/Canadian Permanent Joint Board on Defense(PJBD): 13
US Central Command (USCENTCOM): 4, 52, 57–58,
89, 92, 96, 98, 108
Africa responsibility: 47, 51, 95, 98, 102, 103–04
area of responsibility: 5, 47, 49, 51, 74, 75, 87–88,
90, 92, 97, 98, 105, 106
Indian Ocean responsibility: 62, 73
Middle East responsibility: 47, 51, 62–63, 87–88
Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force, transition
from: 47
174

Southwest Asia responsibility: 58, 62
US Commander in Chief, Atlantic Command (USCINCACOM): 68–69. See also Atlantic Command;
Commander in Chief, Atlantic (CINCLANT).
US Commander in Chief, Central Command(USCINCCENT): 47. See also US Central
Command.
US Commander in Chief, Joint Forces Command: 83.
See also Joint Forces Command.
US Commander in Chief, Readiness Command (CINCRED): 4, 29, 33, 38–39, 40, 41–42, 45, 46,
49, 50, 57. See also US Readiness Command.
US Commander in Chief, Southern Command(USCINCSO): 37, 38, 42–44, 48, 50. See also
US Southern Command.
US Commander in Chief, Space Command: 56, 64, 75,
81, 85. See also US Space Command.
US Commander in Chief, Special Operations Command (USCINCSOC): 58–59, 91–92, 107.
See also US Special Operations Command.
US Commander in Chief, Strategic Command(USCINCSTRAT): 64–66, 85. See also US
Strategic Command.
US Commander in Chief, Transportation Command(USCINCTRANS): 4, 60. See also US Transportation Command.
US Congress
and Alaskan Command: 62
and USCINCSOC: 58–59
US Element North American Aerospace Defense:
89–90, 92, 93, 94, 95
US European Command (USEUCOM): 13–14, 17,
24–25, 31–32, 33, 89, 93, 96, 108
Africa responsibility: 24, 38-39, 40, 47, 51, 95, 97,
98–100, 101, 102, 103–04, 106
area of responsibility: 5, 10, 13–14, 28, 29, 34, 47,
52, 75, 81–82, 84, 85, 90, 105, 107
and Central Asia: 97
Eastern Europe responsibility: 51, 52
establishment of: 11, 13–14, 16
headquarters reduction: 32, 33, 63
Middle East responsibility: 4, 41–42, 47, 87–88
and Portugal: 49
and the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force: 41–42
Supreme A l l ie d C om ma nder, At l a nt ic(SACLANT): 82, 83, 84, 85
Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR):
13–14, 85, 104, 107
US Fleet, 6th: 40

IndexUS Fleet, 7th: 1–2, 26
US Forces, Caribbean (USFORCARIB): 44, 50, 61–62
US Forces, Japan: 29–30, 48
US Forces, Korea: 29–30, 48
US Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM). See Joint
Forces Command.
US Marine Corps
and organization of commands: 3–4, 5, 21–22,
23–24, 28, 31, 33, 40, 41, 47, 55, 56, 57, 59, 60,
61, 62–63, 65, 66, 67, 68, 73, 82, 83, 89
and responsibilities of commanders: 18, 24
US Military Assistance Command, Thailand: 29–30
US Military Assistance Command, Vietnam(USMACV): 25–26, 29–30
US Naval Forces, Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean:11, 14, 17
US Navyand organization of commands: 1, 2, 3–4, 9, 11,
12–13, 15, 21–22, 23–24, 28, 31, 33, 40, 47,
55, 56, 57, 59, 60, 61, 62–63, 64, 65, 68, 73,
74, 82, 83, 84
and responsibilities of commanders: 18, 24
US Northeast Command: 10, 11–13, 17, 18–19
US Northern Command: 84–85, 87, 88–89, 90, 92, 93,
94, 95, 97–98, 100, 101, 102, 104, 105, 106,
107, 108
US Pacific Command (PACOM): 1, 11, 17, 19, 28, 30,
31–32, 33, 74, 89, 92, 94, 96, 97, 102, 104
Air Force component: 17
Alaska responsibility: 62, 106
Aleutian Islands responsibility: 29, 48
Arctic Ocean responsibility: 29, 105
area of responsibility: 10, 28–30, 31, 33–34, 47, 48,
51, 52, 74, 81–82, 84, 106
biennial review, 1982: 48
headquarters reduction: 32, 63
and homeland defense: 81
Indian Ocean responsibility: 1, 29, 51, 52
Middle East responsibility: 41–42, 47, 62–63
Mongolia responsibility: 52
and North Korea: 48, 49
Northeast Asia Command: 62, 63
and the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force: 41–42
Southwest Pacific Command: 62
Task Force 70: 46, 47
and the Vietnam War: 1–2, 25–26
US Readiness Command (USREDCOM): 4, 31–32
Africa responsibility: 38–39

Alaska responsibility: 33
area of responsibility: 31, 33, 38–39
contingency planning responsibility: 32, 33,
38–39, 52
CONUS responsibility: 52
disestablishment of: 57–58
establishment of: 28–29
joint training responsibility: 32, 58
Middle East responsibility: 39–40, 41–42
and mobilization deployment planning: 59
RDJTF responsibility: 39, 41–42, 45–46, 49–50
US Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM): 28–29,
30, 33, 69, 84, 85, 89, 90, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97,
98, 100, 102, 104, 107, 108
Atlantic Command, integration with: 48, 50, 61,
63–64, 73, 74
Caribbean responsibility: 42–44, 50, 62, 73, 74
disestablishment of: 31–32, 66
establishment of: 25
and homeland defense: 81, 82
Latin America responsibility: 29, 50, 62, 74, 83
Mexico responsibility: 62
Panama Canal responsibility: 29, 37
USFORCARIB integration: 61–62
US Space Command (USSPACECOM): 49, 55–56, 63,
64, 66, 75, 84, 85–86, 87
US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM): 4,
56-59, 63, 81–82, 87, 89, 90, 91–92, 93, 94, 95,
96, 97, 101, 102, 103, 104, 106, 108
US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM): 3, 4–5,
63-66, 74, 81, 84, 85–87, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93–94,
95, 96, 97–98, 100–101, 102, 104, 106, 107, 108
US Strike Command (USSTRICOM): 3–4, 23–24, 26,
28, 29, 38, 58
US Support Activities Group (USSAG): 29–30
US Taiwan Defense Command: 29–30
US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM): 4,
58, 59–61, 63, 87, 88, 92, 93–94, 95–96, 104,
106, 107, 108
US Virgin Islands: 84, 94, 97, 100, 102
Uzbekistan: 5, 75

Venezuela: 15, 43
Vessey, General John W., Jr., USA: 61
Vietnam War: 1–2, 5, 25–26, 29–30
Volcano Islands: 14, 15

175

IndexWeapons of mass destruction consequence management:
76–77, 93–94, 95, 101, 102, 106, 107
Weinberger, Caspar: 55, 56, 57–58, 59, 60, 62, 63, 64
Westmoreland, General William, USA: 2
Wilson, Charles E.: 16, 18
Wolfowitz, Paul: 88
World War II: 9

Yemen: 45, 47
Yugoslavia: 14, 16

176