text: Engineer Planning
  aids; and coordination with other geospatial engineer elements and higher headquarters. GPCs are the only
  units with a unique, dedicated geospatial data generation capability within the Army force structure. The
  GPC requires access to the Global Information Grid and a classified tactical local area network to update and
  disseminate geospatial information and products. GPCs are responsible for managing the TGD.
  The AGC provides timely, accurate, and relevant geospatial information, capabilities, and domain
  expertise for Army Geospatial Enterprise implementation in support of military operations. AGC provides
  reachback support to all echelons, may provide training to units, and supports the distribution of the SSGF.
  The NGA produces digital terrain and feature data, which is available to users via the Web or directly
  from the NGA. The Defense Logistics Agency distributes maps. The geospatial engineer can request imagery,
  which can be used for spatial and temporal reasoning or multispectral analysis products that are customized
  to meet particular operational requirements. Imagery enhances 3-D and fly-through perspectives. NGA
  geospatial analysts may be attached to units, normally at division and above, to supplement the organic
  geospatial engineers and staffs.
  JOINT ENGINEER STAFF
  The JFC will organize their staffs to carry out their respective assigned duties and responsibilities.
  Based on mission-specific requirements, the engineer staff may be placed within the operations directorate
  of a joint staff (J-3) or logistics directorate of a joint staff (J-4) or be organized as a separate staff to the JFC.
  The JFC may choose to organize geospatial engineers or GI&S officers within the intelligence directorate of
  a joint staff (J-2), J-3, J-4, or engineering staff section of a joint staff (J-7), depending on the specific
  organizational structure of the unit. Considerations for each option include—
  * Operations directorate staff. When the focus of engineer effort predominantly supports the
  operational movement and maneuver, fires, and protection warfighting functions, the JFC should
  consider placing the engineer staff as a cell within the J-3. This option provides the fastest
  exchange of information during crisis action planning and optimizes the use of supporting
  capabilities.
  * Logistics directorate staff. When the engineer effort predominantly supports sustainment of the
  joint force, the JFC should consider placing the engineer staff as a cell within the J-4. This option
  facilitates planning and coordination among engineers and logisticians for the construction and
  repair of roads, airfields, other logistic facilities, and infrastructure in general.
  * Separate engineer staff. When the engineer effort is a significant focus or a key element of the
  joint operation, or when the engineer effort is equally divided between combat and general
  engineer disciplines, the JFC should consider establishing a separate engineer staff element that
  reports directly to the JFC. This option provides the greatest flexibility in orchestrating diverse
  engineer operations, and it provides the greatest visibility of engineer capabilities, requirements,
  and responsibilities throughout the staff. This is the preferred option.
  A combatant command engineer staff assists the geographic combatant commander (GCC) by
  performing a variety of functions to synchronize engineer operations in the AOR. A joint force engineer
  serves as the principal advisor to the JFC for matters pertaining to the planning and execution of joint
  engineering support operations. The GCC and subordinate JFC organize their staffs to carry out their
  respective assigned duties and responsibilities. When a functional component command employs forces from
  more than one Service, the staff should reflect on each Service represented. Based on mission-specific
  requirements, the engineer staff may be placed within the directorate for operations (J-3) or the directorate
  for logistics (J-4) or be organized as a separate staff to the JFC. The JFC may choose to organize geospatial
  engineers or GI&S officers within the directorate for intelligence (J-2). Regardless of the option or
  combination of options used, the requirement for the staff engineer remains, as does the need for constant
  communication, liaison, and coordination throughout the entire staff. A notional joint engineer staff is
  depicted in figure 5-1, page 5-6.