JP 3-0, page 11

ix EXECUTIVE SUMMARY COMMANDER’S OVERVIEW  Presents the Fundamentals of Joint Operations as an Instrument of National Power and as Part of Unified Action  Discusses the Art of Command as It Pertains to Authority, Commander- Centric Leadership, Operational Art of Design, Operational Design, Joint Operations Planning Process  Explains Joint Functions of Command and Control, Intelligence, Fires, Movement and Maneuver, Protection, and Sustainment  Describes Organizing for Joint Operations, Including Organizing the Joint Force Headquarters  Discusses Joint Operations Across the Range of Military Operations Fundamentals of Joint Operations Joint operations is a general term that describes military actions conducted by joint forces or by Service forces employed under command relationships. Joint Publication (JP) 3-0 is the keystone document in the joint operations series, and is a companion to joint doctrine’s capstone JP 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States. It provides guidance to joint force commanders (JFCs) and their subordinates for planning, preparing, executing, and assessing joint military operations. Although individual Services may accomplish tasks and missions in support of Department of Defense (DOD) objectives, the primary way DOD employs two or more Services (from two Military Departments) in a single operation, particularly in combat, is through joint operations. Strategic Environment and National Security Challenges The strategic environment is characterized by uncertainty, complexity, and rapid change, which requires persistent engagement. This environment is fluid, with continually changing alliances, partnerships, and new national and transnational threats constantly appearing and disappearing. In addition to traditional conflicts, to include emerging peer competitors, significant challenges continue to include irregular warfare (IW), catastrophic terrorism employing weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and