Joint Publication JP 4-08 Logistics in Support of Multinational Operations 21 February 2013

This publication provides joint doctrine for the planning and execution of US logistics in support of the Armed Forces of the United States during multinational operations. The purpose of this publication is to expand upon the general logistic guidance contained in Joint Publication (JP) 3-16, Multinational Operations, and to provide detailed guidance to US commanders and logisticians involved with providing or receiving logistic support during multinational operations. Throughout this publication, the term “multinational” encompasses operations that may also be referred to as “allied,” “alliance,” “bilateral,” “combined,” “multilateral,” or “coalition.” The overall logistics doctrine for supporting US joint operations has been established in JP 4-0, Joint Logistics. Logistic support during multinational operations differs from unilateral joint operations in that the participating nations represent different national and military objectives, cultures, and approaches to logistic support. This impacts how the US organizes, prepares, and executes logistic support during multinational operations. A significant challenge in multinational logistics (MNL) involves establishing effective command and control (C2) processes that are acceptable to all troop contributing nations. Logistics is a Service and national responsibility, and under a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) operation, it is deemed a collective responsibility. The US is a member of various alliances and coalitions. An alliance is the relationship that results from a formal agreement (such as a treaty) between two or more nations for broad, long-term objectives that further the common interests of the members. An example of an alliance is NATO. A coalition is an ad hoc arrangement between two or more nations for common actions. Many coalitions are formed under the guidance of the United Nations (UN). The American, British, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand (ABCA) Armies Program is a coalition of English speaking nations that have developed logistic doctrine and procedures for supporting multinational operations.