text: Special Operations During Multinational Operations
  7-11. As a supporting commander, the multinational force special operations component commander
  employs a special operations C2 element. This element helps with special operations duties while supporting
  the multinational force commander and the multinational force’s subordinate ground force commanders. The
  element remains under the operational control of the special operations commander. The special operations
  C2 element assists the joint special operations task force commander in fulfilling the supporting commander’s
  responsibilities.
  7-12. The establishment of liaisons with other component commanders as well as partner organizations is a
  best practice. Special operations forces liaison and integration capabilities are especially suited to the
  multinational environment. JP 3-05 contains information on various special operations forces liaison
  solutions to support cooperation, integration, interoperability, and interdependence among special operations
  forces task forces or units and other echelons in a joint task force or multinational force, an American
  Ambassador’s country team, a host nation, or a partner nation. To gain the most utility from these liaison
  capabilities, commanders grant the appropriate level of direct liaison authorized to special operations forces
  personnel. This enables special operations forces liaisons to act in timely manner.
  7-13. Special operations forces’ capabilities, enabled by technological and ISR advances, allow for timely
  action against time-sensitive targets. However, these capabilities also present C2 challenges to commanders
  and staff, particularly regarding weapons release criteria and authorities. In addition, the complexity of the
  multinational environment generally compounds C2 challenges. JP 3-05 discusses unique C2 structures that
  allow special operations forces to capitalize on timely information while meeting higher headquarters
  reporting and information requirements.
  CONSIDERATIONS
  7-14. Commanders exercising command over special operations forces consider the following actions:
  • Provide a clear chain of command to create unity of command with the authority to accomplish
  assigned tasks.
  • Establish clear organizational relationships to achieve unity of effort.
  • Provide supported commands special operations forces staff with sufficient experience and expertise
  to plan, conduct, and support operations.
  • Integrate special operations forces with coalition, multinational, and host-nation forces early in the
  planning process.
  • Match special operations forces unit capabilities with mission requirements.
  • Understand synchronization of special operations within joint operations as part of unified action.
  • Maintain a clear chain of command for special operations forces units and continuity of C2 within
  operational areas, especially during distributed operations.