JP 3-28, page 56

Chapter II II-22 JP 3-28 (3) The essential strategic guidance for the response force to include objectives and the desired end states. b. Much of the information and guidance provided for unified action and joint operations remains applicable to multinational operations. However, commanders and staffs consider differences in partners’ laws, doctrine, organization, weapons, equipment, terminology, culture, politics, religion, language, and caveats on authorized military action throughout the entire operation. JFCs develop plans to align US forces, actions, and resources in support of the multinational plan, and in preparation for integrating multinational assistance in support of the US, in coordination with DOS. c. When directed, designated US commanders participate directly with the armed forces of other nations in preparing bilateral plans. Commanders assess the potential constraints, security risks, and any additional vulnerabilities resulting from bilateral planning and how these plans impact the ability of the US to reach its end states. Bilateral planning involves the preparation of combined, mutually developed and approved plans governing the employment of the forces of two nations for a common contingency. Bilateral planning may be accomplished within the framework of a treaty or alliance or in the absence of such arrangements. Bilateral planning is accomplished IAW specific guidance provided by the President, SecDef, or the CJCS and captured in a bilateral strategic guidance statement signed by the leadership of both countries. An example of such a bilateral plan is the civil assistance plan (CAP) signed between CDRUSNORTHCOM and Commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command. For more information, see JP 5-0, Joint Planning; JP 3-16, Multinational Operations; and the Canada-US Civil Assistance Plan.