JP 3-0, page 30

Chapter I I-6 JP 3-0 assessments of the current and future strategic environment shape our national strategy, goals, and objectives. (1) In general, the President frames the strategic context by defining national interests and goals in documents such as the National Security Strategy (NSS), Presidential policy directives, executive orders, and other strategic documents in conjunction with additional guidance and refinement from the National Security Council/Homeland Security Council. When the National Security Council and Homeland Security Council work as one, they are referred to as the National Security Staff. The National Strategy for Homeland Security, also signed by the President, provides national direction to secure the homeland through a comprehensive framework for organizing the efforts of federal, state, local, and private organizations whose primary functions are often unrelated to national security. (2) DOD’s strategic documents provide amplification to the NSS. The documents outline how DOD will support NSS objectives, and provide a framework for other DOD policy and planning guidance, such as the Guidance for Employment of the Force (GEF), Defense Planning and Programming Guidance, and the Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan. (3) The President also signs the Unified Command Plan (UCP), which is developed by the Joint Staff. The UCP establishes combatant command (CCMD) missions, responsibilities, and geographic areas of responsibility (AORs). The President approves the contingency planning guidance contained in the GEF, which is developed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The GEF provides written policy guidance and priorities to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) and combatant commanders (CCDRs) for reviewing and preparing operation plans (OPLANs) and theater campaign plans (TCPs). b. From this broad strategic guidance, more definitive national, functional, and theater- strategic objectives help focus and refine the context and guide the military’s joint operation planning and execution related to a specific crisis or end state. The President and Secretary of Defense (SecDef), through the CJCS, direct national-level support for combatant and subordinate commanders. SecDef, with the CJCS’s assistance, continually assesses the relative importance and urgency of various theater operations to determine where to focus US military efforts and when and where the Nation can afford to accept risk. Integrated planning, coordination, and guidance among the Joint Staff, CCMD staffs, Service Chiefs, and other government agencies (OGAs) translate strategic priorities into clear planning guidance, tailored force packages, and sufficient sustainment for the joint force to accomplish its mission. For more information on national strategic direction, see Presidential Policy Directive 1, Organization of the National Security System, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction (CJCSI) 5715.01B, Joint Staff Participation in Interagency Affairs, JP 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States, and JP 5-0, Joint Operation Planning. c. Strategic communication (SC) is an important component of strategic guidance. The USG uses SC processes to guide the informational instrument of national power in specific situations. In an ever-changing environment, the communications strategy and success of a joint operation may depend heavily on the sympathy or support of key global audiences. This is especially true for protracted operations. Operations that are concluded