JP 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States - Defense ...

Theory and Foundations
attack; passive defensive measures that make friendly forces, systems, and facilities difficult
to locate, strike, and destroy; technology and procedures that reduce the risk of fratricide;
and emergency management and response to reduce the loss of personnel and capabilities
due to accidents, health threats, and natural disasters. When directed, the JFC’s mission for
protection may extend beyond force protection to encompass protection of US civilians; the
forces, systems, and civil infrastructure of friendly nations; and our interorganizational
partners.
(6) Sustainment is the provision of logistics and personnel services necessary to
maintain and prolong operations until mission accomplishment. Sustainment provides the
JFC flexibility, endurance, and the ability to extend operational reach. Effective sustainment
determines the depth to which the joint force can conduct decisive operations, allowing the
JFC to seize, retain, and exploit the initiative.
d. Joint functions should be balanced and integrated with due consideration of
competing resources, multiple versus single support capabilities, shifting operational
priorities, and differences among Service component practices.
For a more detailed discussion of joint functions, refer to JP 3-0, Joint Operations.
12. Joint Operation Planning
a. Joint operation planning is the way the military links and transforms national
strategic objectives into tactical actions. It ties the military instrument of national power to
the achievement of national security goals and objectives and is essential in promoting and
securing desired global strategic end states during peacetime and war. Planning begins with
the end state in mind, providing a unifying purpose around which actions and resources are
focused.
b. Joint operation planning provides a common basis for discussion, understanding, and
change for the joint force, its subordinate and higher headquarters, the joint planning and
execution community (JPEC), and the national leadership. In accordance with the Guidance
for Employment of the Force (GEF), adaptive planning supports the transition of DOD
planning from a contingency-centric approach to a strategy-centric approach. The Adaptive
Planning and Execution (APEX) system facilitates iterative dialogue and collaborative
planning between the multiple echelons of command. The APEX system ensures that the
military instrument of national power is employed in accordance with national priorities and
policy. It also guarantees the plans are rapidly updated and adapted as the situation requires
according to changes in policy, strategic guidance, resources, and/or the operational
environment. Joint operation planning also identifies capabilities outside of DOD required
for accomplishment of strategic end states and objectives and provides a forum for
interagency dialogue, coordination, and action.
c. The pursuit and attainment of the US national strategic objectives in today’s complex
environment requires critical and creative thinking about the challenges facing the joint
force. Joint operation planning fosters understanding, allowing commanders and staff to
clearly understand the operational environment and identify the problem(s) and problem
I-19