A task force (TF) is divided into task groups (TGs). Task groups are assigned numbers corresponding to the particular task force of which they are a part. For instance, TF 77 may have a task group assigned to reconnaissance, and its designated number will be TG 77.3. Task groups may be even further subdivided into task units (TUs) and task elements (TEs). For example: TU 77.3.1 is Task Unit 1 of Task Group 3 of Task Force 7 of the Seventh Fleet.
Task groups, units, and elements normally have progressively narrower operational missions. Therefore, group, unit, and element commanders normally are selected and assigned on the basis of their current assignment or their warfare specialty (for example, the commander of an amphibious task group should be an amphibious squadron commander or senior commanding officer of the amphibious ships assigned; the commander of a gunfire support element should be a destroyer squadron commander or senior commanding officer of the element; the commander of a maritime patrol air unit should be a Navy patrol squadron (VP) wing commander or squadron commanding officer).
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Updated Wednesday, July 28, 1999 5:53:36 AM