JP 3-0, page 27

Fundamentals of Joint Operations I-3 (WMD), and other threats to disrupt the nation’s ability to project power and maintain its qualitative edge. b. The strategic environment presents broad national security challenges likely to require the employment of joint forces in the future. These are not new challenges. They are the natural products of the enduring human condition, but they will exhibit new features in the future. None of these challenges is a purely military problem. Rather, all are national problems calling for the application of all the instruments of national power. (1) A secure US homeland is the Nation’s first priority. (2) Deterring our adversaries is a US goal. However, winning the Nation’s wars remains the preeminent justification for maintaining capable and credible military forces in the event that deterrence should fail. (3) Defending national interests requires not only being able to prevail in conflict, but also taking preventive measures to deter potential adversaries who could threaten the vital interests of the United States or its partners. These threats could range from direct aggression to less openly belligerent actions that nonetheless threaten vital national interests. (4) Establishing, maintaining, and enhancing security cooperation among our alliances and partners is important to strengthen the global security framework of the United States and its partners. Security cooperation allows us to proactively take advantage of opportunities and not just react to threats. Figure I-2. Common Operating Precepts Common Operating Precepts l l l l l l l l l l Inform domestic audiences and influence the perceptions and attitudes of key foreign audiences as an explicit and continuous operational requirement. Achieve and maintain unity of effort within the joint force and between the joint force and US Government, international, and other partners. Leverage the benefits of operating indirectly through partners when strategic and operational circumstances dictate or permit. Integrate joint capabilities to be complementary rather than merely additive. Avoid combining capabilities where doing so adds complexity without compensating advantage. Focus on operational objectives whose achievement suggests the broadest and most enduring results. Ensure freedom of action. Maintain operational and organizational flexibility. Plan for and manage operational transitions over time and space. Drive synergy to the lowest echelon at which it can be managed effectively.