JP 3-0, page 138
Joint Operations
Joint Publication: Joint Operations
11 August 2011 public edition
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Chapter V
V-32
JP 3-0
d. A campaign is a series of related military operations aimed at accomplishing
a military strategic or operational objective within a given time and space. Planning
for a campaign is appropriate when the contemplated military operations exceed the
scope of a single major operation. Thus, campaigns are often the most extensive joint
operations in terms of time and other resources. Campaign planning has its greatest
application in the conduct of large-scale combat operations, but can be used across the
range of military operations. While intended primarily to guide the use of military
power, campaign plans consider all instruments of national power and how their
integrated efforts work to attain national strategic objectives.
e. Campaigns are joint in nature—functional and Service components conduct
supporting operations, not independent campaigns. A campaign plan is not a unique type
of joint OPLAN. JFCs normally prepare a campaign plan in OPLAN format in
accordance with the Joint Operation Planning and Execution System under APEX.
However, the size, complexity, and anticipated duration of operations typically magnify
the planning challenges. There are three categories of campaigns, which differ generally
in scope.
(1) Global Campaign. A global campaign is one that requires the
accomplishment of military strategic objectives within multiple theaters that extend
beyond the AOR of a single GCC.
(2) Theater Campaign. A theater campaign encompasses the activities of a
supported GCC, and accomplishes military strategic or operational objectives within a
theater of war or theater of operations that is primarily within the supported commander’s
AOR. OIF has shown that adjacent GCCs can, at the direction of SecDef, conduct
supporting operations within the AOR of the supported commander, or within their own
AORs, under the overall direction of the supported GCC.
(3) Subordinate Campaign. A subordinate JFC may conduct a subordinate
campaign to accomplish (or contribute to) military strategic or operational objectives in
support of a global or theater campaign. Subordinate JFCs develop subordinate
campaign plans if their assigned missions require military operations of substantial size,
complexity, and duration and cannot be accomplished within the framework of a single
major joint operation. Subordinate campaign plans must be consistent with the strategic
and operational guidance and direction provided in the supported JFC’s campaign plan.