If nations are very similar in cultures, doctrine, training, and equipment, or if extensive cooperative experience exists, an integrated command structure may be effective. This direct approach requires each armed force to receive, understand, plan, and implement missions in the same manner as the other nations. Parallel Command Structure 2-1. Under a parallel command structure, no single multinational army commander is designated. Member nations retain control of their own national forces, and the coalition partners write a plan effecting coordination among the participants.
Parallel command is the simplest to establish and often the organization of choice.
While other command structures emerge as the coalition matures, the parallel model is often the starting point. Unity of Effort. As a coalition matures, the role of the coordination center expands to include C 2 activities. 2-1. Staff Augmentation. When a C 3 IC is activated, member nations provide a staff element to the center comprised of action officers who are familiar with support activities such as those discussed above.