Joint Operations

FYI - The revised edition of Joint Publication 3-0: Joint Operations has been approved and posted to the Joint Electronic Library.

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This revised edition of JP 3-0, Joint Operations, reflects the current guidance for conducting joint and multinational activities across the range of military operations. This vital keystone publication forms the very core of joint warfighting doctrine and establishes the framework for our forces’ ability to fight as a joint team.

Often called the “linchpin” of the joint doctrine publication hierarchy, the overarching constructs and principles contained in this publication provide a common perspective from which to plan and execute joint operations in cooperation with our multinational partners, other US Government agencies, and intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations. This document
addresses key aspects of joint operations and campaigns across the range of military operations.

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JCS, 15 Jan 09: Capstone Concept for Joint Operations

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The Capstone Concept for Joint Operations describes in broad terms my vision for how the joint force circa 2016-2028 will operate in response to a wide variety of security challenges. It proposes that future joint force commanders will combine and subsequently adapt some combination of four basic categories of military activity -- combat, security, engagement, and relief and reconstruction -- in accordance with the unique requirements of each operational situation. The concept is informed by current strategic guidance, but because it looks to the future, it is intended to be adaptable, as it must be, to changes in that guidance.

This concept’s primary purpose is to guide force development and experimentation by: (1) establishing a common framework for military professionals for thinking about future joint operations, (2) visualizing future joint operations for policymakers and others with an interest in the employment of military force, (3) establishing a conceptual foundation for subordinate joint and Service concepts, and (4) motivating and guiding the study, experimentation and evaluation of joint concepts and capabilities.....

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Combat aims at defeating armed enemies -- regular, irregular, or both. It concludes successfully when those enemies capitulate or are destroyed. It is the demonstration of credible combat power that primarily deters aggression.
Historically, one or both of two defeat mechanisms have been employed
in combat.16 Attrition wears down an adversary’s human and material
resources. Disruption attacks his organizational cohesion or effective
functioning so that even if elements of the enemy system remain undamaged,
the enemy cannot operate as a coherent whole. Both defeat mechanisms also
psychologically affect the enemy’s will to fight.

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Wallah! That is both true and useful. Good old fashioned, no nonsense common sense.

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Security activities seek to protect and control civil populations and
territory -- friendly, hostile, or neutral.17 They may be performed as part of a military occupation during or after combat, to help defeat an insurgency, or in response to a humanitarian disaster. Unlike combat, they seek ultimately to reassure rather than compel. Security activities conclude successfully when civil violence is reduced to a level manageable by law enforcement authorities.

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Again, useful.

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Relief and reconstruction activities seek to restore essential civil services in the wake of combat, a breakdown of civil order, or a natural disaster.

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This needs some qualification. Yes, to essential civil services but that does not meaning building schools or any "construction." If it's limited to saving life, then rock on.

...and we have been here before. http://council.smallwarsjournal.com/...55&postcount=9