My final answers=

  • Strategy is the balanced application of ends, ways, and means to achieve a political end state.
  • The instruments of national power (Diplomatic, Economic, Military, and Information) can all be used to execute strategy
  • Targeting is a small part of strategy.
  • Strategy includes REMF things like budgeting, procurement, force structure, contracting, etc...
  • On War's primary usefulness lies in the theoretical understanding of war, which can be used to construct a strategy. CvC's writings that address strategy directly are an artifact of his time period, and more closely resemble operational thought, rather than strategic thought.


So far I've seen nothing discussed that would sway my opinion on the above points.

I'm off to have a really crappy T-Giving dinner at my in-laws. See you all on the flip side....