There was almost an EU Army during the Bosnia unpleasantness where the word 'war' was forbidden! Prompting one friend of mine to look wearily over his glasses during a morning briefing to ask in despair '......before we go to spread the word to the troops and venture forth to fight the good fight........ who the xxxx is running the show*...... the EU, NATO or the UN......' The ice cold reply that answered '.......Stay behind Capt XXXX and I'll see if I can make it a tad clearer for you......' said it all. He never did quite reveal what he was told
* Running the show = What is our order of battle/chain of command