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

Chapter I
framework to enable further detailed planning. The planning process, both iterative and
collaborative, facilitates the development of options to effectively meet the complex
challenges facing joint forces throughout the world.
d. The body of information and understanding created during planning allows CCDRs
and their subordinate JFCs and their staffs to adapt to uncertain and changing environments
and to anticipate and rapidly act in crisis situations. Joint operation planning produces
multiple options to employ the US military and to integrate US military actions with other
instruments of US national power in time, space, and purpose to achieve global strategic end
states. Planning also identifies and aligns resources with military actions, providing a
framework to identify and mitigate risk. The CCDRs’ participation in the Joint Strategic
Planning System (JSPS) and APEX system helps to ensure that warfighting and peacetime
operational concerns are emphasized in all planning documents.
e. Joint operation planning is fundamental to assessing risk and identifying mitigation
strategies. In the course of developing multiple options to meet strategic and military end
states and objectives, JFCs and their planning staffs, as well as the larger JPEC, identify and
communicate shortfalls in DOD’s ability to resource, execute, and sustain the military
operations contained in the plan as well as the necessary actions to reduce or mitigate risk.
JFCs communicate risk to senior leadership. Risk is rarely eliminated, but through planning,
preparation, and constant assessment, risk can be mitigated and managed.
f. Joint operation planning and planning for a campaign are not separate planning types
or processes. Joint operation planning encompasses planning for any type of joint operation,
such as small-scale, short-duration strike or raid; an operation that typically does not involve
combat such as nation assistance; and large-scale, long-duration campaigns. Functional
components (air, land, maritime, and special operations [SO]), Service components, and
CSAs do not plan campaigns, but instead plan and conduct subordinate and supporting
operations to campaign plans.
g. Joint operation planning requires the support of a wide array of staff expertise
(personnel, intelligence, operations, logistics, communications, etc.) to provide JFCs with a
thoughtful and coordinated product. Joint operation planning should be synchronized with
national planning, so that interagency inputs are used in conjunction with military plans to
reach strategic and military end states.
For more information, refer to JP 5-0, Joint Operation Planning; JP 1-0, Joint Personnel
Support; JP 2-0, Joint Intelligence; JP 3-0, Joint Operations; JP 4-0, Joint Logistics; and JP
6-0, Joint Communications System.
13. Law of War
It is DOD policy that the Armed Forces of the United States will adhere to the law of
war, often called the law of armed conflict, during all military operations. The law of war is
the body of law that regulates both the legal and customary justifications for utilizing force
and the conduct of armed hostilities; it is binding on the US and its individual citizens. It
includes treaties and international agreements to which the US is a party, as well as
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