The access keys for this site are:

Additional accessibility information for Defence can be found in the Defence Accessibility Statement.

The Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ)

The Permanent Joint Headquarters is an adaptable and agile HQ created to command Joint and Combined military operations, and provide politically aware military advice to the Ministry of Defence. It is at the forefront of work throughout British Defence to further improve joint operational capability.

Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) Logo

Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) Logo

The Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) was established in April 1996 to enhance the operational effectiveness and efficiency of UK-led joint, potentially joint and multi-national operations, and to exercise operational command of UK forces assigned to multinational operations led by others.

In career terms, we intend that the PJHQ should be the first choice for the most promising military and civilian staff to develop their skills in the best environment.

The PJHQ's mission can be summarised as follows:

  • As part of the Defence Crisis Management Organisation, provide politically aware military advice to the MOD to inform the strategic commitment of UK forces to overseas Joint and Combined operations
  • When directed by the Chief of Defence Staff, exercise operational command of UK forces assigned to overseas Joint and Combined operations, either led by the UK or another nation, in order to achieve MOD UK's strategic objectives
  • In conjunction with the Front Line Commands and MOD, develop the UK's Joint warfighting capability. The HQ has some 630 personnel from the 3 Services and the Civil Service. The HQ is responsible for directing, deploying, sustaining and recovering UK joint forces, however, there are certain areas that the HQ will not be involved. These are: Strategic Nuclear Deterrent; Defence of the UK Home Base Territorial Waters and Airspace Northern Ireland Counter-terrorism in UK; NATO Article V (General War)