This publication sets forth doctrine (or doctrine and selected tactics, techniques, and procedures) to govern the joint activities and performance of the Armed Forces of the United States in joint operations as well as the doctrinal basis for US military involvement in multinational and interagency operations. It provides military guidance for the exercise of authority by combatant commanders and other joint force commanders and prescribes doctrine (or doctrine and selected tactics, techniques, and procedures) for joint operations and training. It provides guidance for use by the Armed Forces in preparing their appropriate plans. It is not the intent of this publication to restrict the authority of the joint force commander (JFC) from organizing the force and executing the mission in a manner the JFC deems most appropriate to ensure unity of effort in the accomplishment of the overall mission.

"This manual serves as the official charter for each of the Joint Staff directorates (less J-2) and provides information on mission and functions of organizations that report to or through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) (often referred to as "the Chairman").