What are the four types of command relationships?

The four recognized types of command relationships within military operations are COCOM, OPCON, TACON, and SUPPORT.

COCOM, or Combatant Command, refers to the authority of a commander to plan and conduct operations across a geographic or functional area. This is the highest level of command authority and is essential for strategic-level decision-making and operational control.

OPCON, or Operational Control, grants a commander the authority to direct forces assigned to them, which includes making decisions on how those forces are best employed. This allows for a higher degree of operational flexibility and responsiveness during missions.

TACON, or Tactical Control, provides the ability to exercise immediate authority over forces for specific tasks or missions. This command relationship is used when more limited control is necessary, such as in specific operations that require focused execution but not the broader command structure associated with OPCON.

SUPPORT is a relationship that defines how forces assist one another and outlines the command responsibilities regarding resources and operations. It ensures that units cooperating in an operation know their tactical intent and how to best integrate their capabilities.

This combination of relationships ensures effective command and coordination during joint operations, aligning resources and strategies toward unified objectives.