JP 3-0, page 25

I-1 CHAPTER I FUNDAMENTALS OF JOINT OPERATIONS 1. Introduction a. 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. It also informs civilian decision makers and interorganizational partners of fundamental principles, precepts, and philosophies that guide the employment of the Armed Forces of the United States. JP 3- 0 describes fundamental keystone constructs—such as unified action and joint functions— that apply regardless of the nature or circumstances of a specific joint operation. This publication provides a context not only for the joint operations series, but also for other keystone doctrine publications that describe supporting functions and processes. b. The fundamental purpose of military power is to deter or wage war in support of national policy. In these capacities, military power is a coercive instrument, designed to achieve by force or the threat of force what other means have not. While leaders may employ this power in more benign ways for a variety of important purposes across a wide range of situations, they must understand that these other uses can imperil this Nation’s fundamental ability to wage war. c. 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. Joint operations is a general term that describes military actions conducted by joint forces and those Service forces employed in specified command relationships with each other, which, of themselves, do not establish joint forces. A joint force is one composed of significant elements, assigned or attached, of two or more Military Departments operating under a single JFC. d. Joint operations doctrine is built on a sound base of warfighting philosophy, theory, and practical experience. Its foundation rests upon the bedrock principles of war and the associated fundamentals of joint warfare, described in JP 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States. Joint doctrine recognizes the basic and beneficial effects of unity of command and the synergy that results from the integration and synchronization of military operations in time, space, and purpose. Our leaders employ the Armed Forces of the United States in coordination with the other instruments of national power to advance and defend US values and interests, achieve objectives consistent with national strategy, and conclude operations on terms favorable to the US. “Joint warfare is team warfare.” Joint Publication 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States