JP 3-0, page 29

Fundamentals of Joint Operations I-5 of these activities occur across the conflict continuum, and will usually continue in areas outside the operational areas associated with ongoing limited contingency operations, major operations, and campaigns. (2) Crisis Response and Limited Contingency Operations. These can be small- scale, limited-duration operations, such as strikes, raids, and peace enforcement, which might include combat depending on the circumstances. Commanders conduct these operations individually, in simultaneous or concurrent groupings, or in conjunction with a major operation or campaign. (3) Major Operations and Campaigns. These are extended-duration, large-scale operations that usually involve combat. A major operation is a series of related tactical actions, such as battles, engagements, and strikes. It can be conducted independently or can serve as an important component of a campaign. A campaign, in turn, is a series of related major operations. Both campaigns and major operations can achieve strategic or operational objectives, or both, within a given time and space. For more information on the instruments of national power, refer to JP 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States. Refer to Chapter V, “Joint Operations Across the Range of Military Operations,” for more information on the types and scope of joint operations. 4. Strategic Guidance a. National strategic direction provides strategic context for the employment of the instruments of national power and defines the strategic purpose that guides employment of the military instrument of national power as part of a global strategy. Continuing Figure I-3. Range of Military Operations Range of Military Operations Major Operations and Campaigns Military Engagement, Security Cooperation, and Deterrence Crisis Response and Limited Contingency Operations Range of Military Operations Our national leaders can use the military instrument of national power across the conflict continuum in a wide variety of operations that are commonly characterized in three groups as this figure depicts. Peace Conflict Continuum War