Publication

The Unified Command Plan (UCP) and associated Combatant Commands (COCOMs) provide operational instructions and command and control to the Armed Forces and have a significant impact on how they are organized, trained and resourced. This report provides information on the history, mission and operational considerations for each of the nine COCOMs as well as a brief discussion of current issues associated with the UCP and these commands. Potential issues for Congress include the implications of a strategic shift to the Asia-Pacific region. Another issue is whether there is a need for greater inter-agency involvement in the UCP development process.