Lesson points (command rel)

Question 1

What are the principles of command

Answer 1

Unity of Command
Clarity
Span of Command
Control of Significant Resources
Redundancy
Delegation of Command
Obligation to Subordinates
Accountability

Question 2

Six command authorities

Answer 2

• Theatre Command (TCOMD)
• National Command (NATCOMD)
• Operational Command (OPCOMD)
• Tactical Command (TACOMD)
• Operational Control (OPCON)
• Tactical Control (TACON)

Question 3

Define Theatre comd (TCOMD)

Answer 3

Theatre Command (TCOMD) is the authority delegated by the Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) to a subordinate commander to prepare for or conduct campaigns and operations within a designated theatre of operations.

Question 4

Key features of TCOMD

Answer 4

• Only the CDF can assign TCOMD.
• The officer who typically receives TCOMD is the Chief of Joint Operations (CJOPS).
• TCOMD gives the commander the power to direct and coordinate all assigned forces within the operational theatre.
• Administrative responsibilities not covered by the commander remain with Service and Joint Chiefs.
  Commander of the whole of operations

Question 5

Define NATCOMD

Answer 5

• Ensures Aus retains control over soveriegn forces
• Assigned to any force assigned ADF officer
  Senior AUS commdr in Joint force area of ops has NATCOMD.
• e.g. TCOMD of CJOPS delegated NCOMD to deployed commdr in Middle East.
  TCOMD –> 3 BDE ME, 7 BDE North Africa

Question 6

Define OPCOMD

Answer 6

Operational Command (OPCOMD) is the authority granted to a commander to specify missions or tasks, deploy units, reassign forces, and retain or delegate further command authorities such as OPCON, TACOMD, or TACON.

Question 7

Features of OP COMD

Answer 7

• OPCOMD is the highest level of operational authority below TCOMD and NATCOMD.
• Grants a commander full freedom to employ assigned assets across their full range of capabilities.
• The commander with OPCOMD is the only one who can issue operational tasks and reorganise forces under their control.
• If OPCOMD is given to a non-ADF commander, the ADF theatre or national commander must maintain oversight to protect Australian interests.
• Usually given to O5, (Battle Group BG level)

Question 8

Define TACOMD

Answer 8

Tactical Command (TACOMD) is the authority delegated to a commander to specify missions and tasks to subordinate forces for the accomplishment of a mission as directed by higher authority.

Question 9

Features of TACOMD

Answer 9

• TACOMD is used below OPCOMD, commonly in single-Service environments (e.g. within the Army only).
• Grants the commander freedom to task, group, and regroup forces under their command as needed.
• Typically the highest level of authority assigned to a non-ADF commander in multinational operations.
• If a non-ADF commander holds TACOMD over ADF units, the ADF must still maintain oversight to ensure tasks remain consistent with Australian policy.
• Usually combat team level O4

Question 10

Define TACON

Answer 10

Tactical Control (TACON) is the detailed and usually local authority to direct movements or manoeuvres of forces in order to accomplish specific missions or tasks assigned by a higher commander.

Question 11

Key Features of TACON

Answer 11

• Short-term, localised authority — not typically assigned at the operational level.
• Allows a commander to direct how a force is employed but not to assign new missions or change its primary tasking.
• Does not include the authority to regroup or reassign the unit.
• Intended for immediate tactical activities, often delegated by a local tactical commander.
• Used to control how and when a unit acts within a predefined task.

Question 12

TACON example

Answer 12

In Operation YETI, ENG Section is attached to 2PL with TACON.

• 2PL can direct the engineers’ movement and ensure their security,
• But cannot change their core task, which is to clear obstacles — that directive comes from the OC.

Question 13

Define OPCON

Answer 13

Operational Control (OPCON) is the authority delegated to a commander to direct assigned forces to accomplish specific missions or tasks, usually limited by function, time, or location.

Question 14

Key feature of OPCON

Answer 14

• Grants control over employment of forces, but not full command.
• Unlike TACOMD, OPCON does not allow:
  *Assigning new missions
  *Regrouping forces
• Typically used in multinational environments where some national command responsibilities remain with the parent force.
• Allows the commander to decide when, where, and how to use a force for a given mission — but within the limits set by the higher commander.

Question 15

Example OPCON

Answer 15

In Operation YETI, an Engineer Section is assigned to 2PL with OPCON:
* 2PL can decide where and when to employ them (e.g., obstacle clearance on a specific route),
* But cannot change their assigned role or mission

Question 16

Letter designators for joint staff

Answer 16

• C – combined or coalition
• J – joint
• N – naval
• A – air
• G – ground (at division level and above)
• S – ground (at brigade and below)

Question 17

Number designators for staff

Answer 17

• 0 – Command Group and Specialist Staff
• 1 – Personnel
• 2 – Intelligence
• 3 – Operations
• 4 – Logistics
• 5 – Policy and Plans
• 6 – Communication and Information Systems (CIS)
• 7 – Doctrine and Training
• 8 – Force Structure and Development
• 9 – Civil–Military Cooperation (CIMIC).