JP 3-0, page 145

Joint Operations Across the Range of Military Operations V-39 13. Considerations for Deterrence a. General. The deter phase is characterized by preparatory actions that indicate the intent to execute subsequent phases of the operation. Deterrence should be based on capability (having the means to influence behavior), credibility (maintaining a level of believability that the proposed actions may actual be employed), and communication (transmitting the intended message to the desired audience) to ensure greater effectiveness. Before hostilities begin, the JFC and staff analyze and assess the adversary’s goals and decision-making process to determine how, where, and when these can be affected and what friendly actions (military and others) can influence events and act as a deterrent. Emphasis should be placed on setting the conditions for successful joint operations in the dominate and follow-on phases should deterrence fail. b. Preparing the Operational Area (1) Special Operations. SOF play a major role in preparing and shaping the operational area and environment by setting conditions which mitigate risk and facilitate successful follow-on operations. The regional focus, cross-cultural/ethnic insights, language capabilities, and relationships of SOF provide access to and influence in nations where the presence of conventional US forces is unacceptable or inappropriate. SOF contributions can provide operational leverage by gathering critical information, undermining a potential adversary’s will or capacity to wage war, and enhancing the capabilities of conventional US, multinational, or indigenous/surrogate forces. CDRUSSOCOM synchronizes planning for global operations against terrorist networks in coordination with other CCMDs, the Services, and, as directed, appropriate USG agencies. In coordination with GCCs and the supported JFC, CDRUSSOCOM plans and executes or synchronizes the execution of activities related to preparing the operational environment and operational area, or provides SOF to other CCMDs. For further guidance on SO, refer to JP 3-05, Special Operations. (2) Stability Operations. Joint force planning and operations conducted prior to commencement of hostilities should establish a sound foundation for operations in the stabilize and enable civil authority phases. JFCs should anticipate and address how to fill the power vacuum created when sustained combat operations wind down. Accomplishing this task should ease the transition to operations in the stabilize phase and shorten the path to the national strategic end state and handover to another authority. Considerations include: (a) Limiting the damage to key infrastructure and services. (b) Establishing the intended disposition of captured leadership and demobilized military and paramilitary forces. (c) Providing for the availability of cash or other means of financial exchange.