middle east war 2026

…In both peace and war, the Armed Forces of the United States help to deter adversaries from using violence to reach their aims. Deterrence stems from an adversary’s belief that a credible threat of retaliation…

…None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) strategic level of war. The level of war at which a nation, often as a member of a group of nations, determines national or multinational (alliance or coalition…

…Attacking these may violate the laws of war (e.g., cultural and religious sites, embassies belonging to noncombatant countries, hospitals, schools) or interfere with friendly relations with other nations, indigenous populations, or governments. NSLs are not…

…JP 3-0) operational level of war. The level of war at which campaigns and major operations are planned, conducted, and sustained to achieve strategic objectives within theaters or other operational areas. (Approved for incorporation into…

…into war, bled defenses, economically extremists taking pilot training Targe civil [Mass casualties, [Show of power, __ | Adequate training, |Al Qaeda gains in_| Unusual gatherings _ | instill fear media attention [maintain secrecy _| stature, mass surveillance, pilot casualties can…

…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…

…JP 3-0) tactical level of war. The level of war at which battles and engagements are planned and executed to achieve military objectives assigned to tactical units or task forces. (Approved for incorporation into JP…

…The SJA advises the JFC and other staff members on applicable international and domestic laws, legal custom and practice, multilateral and bilateral agreements with host nations, law of war issues, compliance and interpretation of the ROE…

…Under the law of war, the following are protected: (1) Fixed hospitals and mobile medical establishments. (2) Medical personnel and chaplains. (3) Ambulances and clearly marked medical transport vehicles. (4) Air ambulances and clearly marked medical…

…NUCLEAR TARGETING Nothing discussed within this document, including the law of war (LoW) and targeting implications, precludes the use of nuclear weapons. Nuclear targeting mirrors conventional targeting principles, with consideration given to the specific weapon’s…

…Within the AOR, the combatant commander has designated a theater of war. Within the theater of war are two theaters of operations and a JSOA. To handle a situation outside the theater of war, the combatant…

…Examples are open cities, civilians, prisoner of war (POW) camps, hospitals, etc. (3) Similarly, the law of war requires that combatants wear uniforms, insignia, or other clearly identifiable markings. Facilities such as hospitals and POW camps…

…Typically, cascading effects flow throughout the levels of war and are the result of interdependencies or linkages among multiple adversary systems. (AFDD 2-1.2) causal linkage. An explanation of why an action or effect will…

…Planners should consider weather, adversary operations, force protection concerns, operational environment management issues, law of war, ROE, and special instructions constraints. Packaging, timing issues, OAs, required support assets (e.g., availability of air refueling aircraft for…

…Operational areas include, but are not limited to, such descriptors as AOR, theater of war, theater of operations, JOA, AOA, joint special operations area (JSOA), and AO. “US military power today is unsurpassed on the land…

…Targeting assessment occurs at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels of war. The assessment of target engagement results must be integrated to provide the overall joint targeting assessment. Paragraph 4, “Time-Sensitive Target Considerations,” and Appendix…

…Risk management is relevant at all levels of war, across the range of military operations, and through all phases of an operation and its branches and sequels. To alleviate or reduce risk, commanders may take a…

Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-60, Targeting 41 REFERENCES All websites accessed 05 April 2026. US AIR FORCE DOCTRINE: https://www.doctrine.af.mil/  AFDP 1, The Air Force  AFDP 2-0, Intelligence …

116 ground, or on a map in imitation of war. 3. The operation of a ship, aircraft, or vehicle to cause it to perform desired movements. 4. Employment of forces in the battlespace through movement in…

…Airmen today are serving in a time of consequence marked by the rapid evolution of the character of war and increasingly formidable competitors challenging our freedom of maneuver and freedom of action. The United States Air…