combatant command

1. also called command authority; COCOM nontransferable command authority exercised only by commanders of unified or specified combatant commands unless otherwise directed by the president or the secretary of defense. Operational control is inherent in combatant command.

2. a unified or specified command with a broad continuing mission under a single commander, established and so designated by the president, through the secretary of defense and with the advice and assistance of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Combatant commands typically have geographic or functional responsibilities.

See the Introduction, Abbreviations and Pronunciation for further details.

(DOD) A unified or specified command with a broad continuing mission under a single commander established and so designated by the President, through the Secretary of Defense and with the advice and assistance of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Combatant commands typically have geographic or functional responsibilities. See also specified command; unified command.