text: Command and Control During Multinational Operations
  2-98. Translators differ from interpreters. The translator translates into English (one-directional translation),
  whereas an interpreter fluently converts the communication into English from the foreign language and back
  again. The interpreter’s linguistic capabilities as a two-directional translator depend on the quality of training
  provided.
  2-99. The time it takes to acquire and train enough translators and interpreters is significant and requires
  support from the next higher national echelon. The staff conducts its initial joint task force mission analysis
  and planning and identifies all linguist support requirements early in planning. Early planning ensures
  availability and timeliness for deployment. (Refer to JP 3-33 for planning for linguists.)
  2-100. Host-nation translators and interpreters are important for multinational operations. Vetted local
  translators and interpreters are acceptable for many requirements. However, some sensitive positions require
  military translators with appropriate security clearances. Host-nation personnel and members of the
  multinational force need to trust each other. Without a means of establishing trust, multinational forces are
  vulnerable.
  COMMUNICATIONS
  2-101. Communications are fundamental to successful multinational operations. It is important to prepare for
  communications during planning. Mission analysis and assessment provide an opportunity for the
  communications officer to identify communications requirements and evaluate in-country capabilities.
  INITIAL CONSIDERATIONS
  2-102. Commanders solve many communications issues with an equipment exchange and liaison teams.
  Continual liaison among communications planners helps alleviate interoperability issues. Communications
  requirements vary with the mission, composition, and geography of the AO. Interoperability is constrained
  by the least technologically advanced nation. The multinational force addresses the need for integrated
  communications among all forces early in the planning phase.
  2-103. In a multinational force, a primary communications link is between the lead nation and the national
  contingent headquarters. The ability for commanders, staffs, and subordinates to communicate with civilian
  agencies across all operations is important. The lead nation and contingent headquarters consider
  transitioning links to subsequent units, commercial communications, or to agencies such as the UN early in
  an operation.
  2-104. A multinational force plans for adequate communications to include using voice (secure and
  nonsecure), data, and video teleconferencing. The force needs a deployable communications capability and
  enough trained operators for sustained operations with multiple means of communications to avoid a single
  point of failure. (For more details for communicating with foreign forces, refer to JP 3-16 and ATP 3-07.10.)
  ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT
  2-105. In addition to problems of compatibility and security, many units lack communications equipment to
  meet mission requirements. During initial planning stages, planners identify communications requirements,
  issues of spectrum management, and controls on access to information. Liaison teams, with adequate
  communications equipment, reduce the severity of some problems. Effective communications planners
  anticipate these requirements during initial planning, evaluate host-nation communications resources, and
  integrate the requirements into JMEI, KM and IM plans, and the communications plan. The means available
  need to satisfy operational requirements.
  PURPOSE OF KNOWING EACH NATION’S CAPABILITIES
  2-106. Each nation’s force has finite capabilities it can commit to a multinational operation. Each force’s
  national representative knows those limitations for planning and integration.
  NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE INVOLVEMENT IN PLANNING
  2-107. Representatives of each nation attend the planning. National representatives ensure that taskings fit
  the abilities of the force. If a unit has a mission it cannot accomplish, the plan will not work. If possible,