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Chapter IV IV-6 JP 3-0 3. Organizing the Joint Force a. General. How JFCs organize their assigned or attached forces directly affects the responsiveness and versatility of joint operations. The first principle in joint force organization is that JFCs organize forces to accomplish the mission based on their intent and CONOPS. Unity of command, centralized planning and direction, and decentralized execution are key considerations. Joint forces can be established on a geographic or functional basis. JFCs may elect to centralize selected functions within the joint force, but should avoid reducing the versatility, responsiveness, and initiative of subordinate forces. JFCs should allow Service and SOF tactical and operational forces, organizations, and capabilities to function generally as they were designed. All Service components contribute their distinct capabilities to joint operations; however, their interdependence is essential to overall joint effectiveness. Joint interdependence is the purposeful reliance by one Service on another Service’s capabilities to maximize the complementary and reinforcing effects of both; the degree of interdependence varies with specific circumstances. When JFCs organize their forces, they should also consider interoperability with multinational forces and interaction with other potential interorganizational partners. Complex or unclear command relationships and organizations are counterproductive to synergy among multinational forces. Simplicity and clarity of expression are essential. b. Joint Force Options (1) Combatant Commands. A CCMD is a unified or specified command with a broad continuing mission under a single commander established and so designated by the President, through SecDef, and with the advice and assistance of the CJCS. Unified commands typically are established when a broad continuing mission exists requiring execution by significant forces of two or more Military Departments and necessitating single strategic direction and/or other criteria found in JP 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States. Specified commands normally are composed of forces from one Military Department, but may include units and staff representation from other Military Departments. The UCP defines geographic AORs that are assigned to GCCs that include all associated land, water, and airspace. Other CCDRs (e.g., FCCs) execute assigned functional responsibilities such as deploying trained and ready joint forces, conducting global distribution operations, providing combat-ready SOF, or conducting space and cyberspace operations. Functionally oriented CCDRs operate across all geographical regions and normally provide supporting forces and capabilities to the GCCs. They also may conduct operations as a supported commander when directed by SecDef or the President. (2) Subordinate Unified Commands. When authorized by SecDef through the CJCS, commanders of unified (not specified) commands may establish subordinate unified commands (also called subunified commands) to conduct operations on a continuing basis in accordance with the criteria set forth for unified commands. A subordinate unified command may be established on a geographic area or functional basis. Commanders of subordinate unified commands have functions and responsibilities similar to those of the commanders of unified commands and exercise OPCON of