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

Theory and Foundations
warfare may take a variety of forms. It may erupt among or between states or non-state
entities with war-making capabilities. It may manifest as traditional warfare or IW. When
the US commits military forces into conflict, success is expected.
(3) Deter Our Adversaries. Defending national interests requires being able to
prevail in conflict and taking preventive measures to deter potential adversaries who could
threaten the vital interests of the US or its partners. These threats could range from direct
aggression to belligerent actions that nonetheless threaten vital national interests. Deterrence
influences potential adversaries not to take threatening actions. It requires convincing those
adversaries that a contemplated action will not achieve the desired result by fear of the
consequences. Deterrence is a state of mind brought about by the existence of a credible
threat of unacceptable counteraction. Because of the gravity of potential nuclear aggression
by a growing list of actors, maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent capability will remain a
critical national security imperative.
(4) Security Cooperation. Security cooperation encompasses all DOD
interactions with foreign defense establishments to build defense relationships that promote
specific US security interests, develop allied and friendly military capabilities for selfdefense
and multinational operations, and provide US forces with peacetime and contingency
access to a host nation (HN). Establishing, maintaining, and enhancing security cooperation
among our partner nations is important to strengthen the global security framework of the US
and its partners. Security cooperation allows us to proactively take advantage of
opportunities and not just react to threats. Contributing to security cooperation activities is a
large part of what the US military does and will continue to do. Supporting security
cooperation activities is an essential element of the CCDR’s day-to-day work to enhance
regional security and thereby advance national interests. Like deterrence, security
cooperation activities can reduce the chances of conflict, but unlike deterrence, it does not
involve the threat of force. Security cooperation and deterrence should be complementary as
both contribute to security and prevent conflict.
(5) Support to Civil Authorities. The US will continue to respond to a variety of
civil crises to relieve human suffering and restore civil functioning, most often in support of
civil authorities. These crises may be foreign or domestic and may occur independently, as
in a natural disaster disrupting an otherwise functioning society, or they may occur within
the context of a conflict, such as widespread suffering in a nation embroiled in an
insurgency.
(6) Adapt to Changing Environment. The strategic security environment and
national security challenges are always changing. The ability to address the changing
environment and meet our security challenges falls to the instruments of national power and
the ability of the Armed Forces of the United States to conduct military operations
worldwide.
9. Instruments of National Power and the Range of Military Operations
a. The ability of the US to advance its national interests is dependent on the
effectiveness of the United States Government (USG) in employing the instruments of
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