This publication provides joint doctrine and information for the planning, preparation, and execution of legal support to joint military operations.This publication has been prepared under the direction of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and has been reviewed favorably by the General Counsel of the Department of Defense as the Chief Legal Officer of the Department. It sets forth joint doctrine to guide the activities and performance of the Armed Forces of the United States in operations and provides the doctrinal basis for interagency coordination and for USmilitary involvement in multinational operations. It provides military guidance for theexercise of authority by combatant commanders and other joint force commanders (JFCs)and prescribes joint doctrine for operations and training. It provides military guidance foruse by the Armed Forces in preparing their appropriate plans. This publication is notintended to restrict the authority of the JFC in organizing the force and executing themission in a manner the JFC deems most appropriate to ensure unity of effort in theaccomplishment of the overall objective.