Weak and failing states define a hotly contested zone of operations where radical Islamist extremists, terrorists, and irregular adversaries will collide with U.S. and allied forces and the partners. The former want to exploit these states and to hasten their collapse in order to create operational sanctuaries and zones of barbarism and to lure American forces into protracted and costly interventions. The latter seek to deny radical extremists and their allies any physical sanctuary, either by preventing state failures by enhancing state capabilities and capacities, or, if necessary, by...

The continual introduction of hi-tech equipment, coupled with force structure and manning reductions, and high operating tempo mean that military forces will often be significantly augmented with contracted support. To do this, contract support integration and contractor management must be integrated into military planning and operations. Commanders and their staffs must have a working knowledge of key joint contract support integration and contractor management related terms, since these terms are not widely known outside of the professional acquisition community. Contingency acquisition,...

The US military has an obligation to communicate with the American public, and it is in the national interest to communicate with the international public. Through the responsive release of accurate information and imagery to domestic and international audiences, public affairs (PA) puts operational actions in context, facilitates the development of informed perceptions about military operations, helps undermine adversarial propaganda efforts, and contributes to the achievement of national, strategic, and operational objectives. Information relating to the military and its operations is...

The term "quarters" is described in old military regulations as buildings assigned to house military personnel. Our family has been fortunate to enjoy some of the oldest and finest quarters on military posts across the United States. With each move, we have found neighbors, surroundings, and history to amplify the experience and help transform our assigned quarters from a building to a family home. This is certainly true here at Quarters Six on Grant Avenue at Fort Myer. Quarters Six at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, the official residence of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sits...

This publication provides doctrine for religious affairs in joint operations. It also provides information on the chaplain's roles as the principal advisor to the joint force commander (JFC) on religious affairs and a key advisor on the impact of religion on military operations. It further provides information on the chaplain's role of delivering and facilitating religious ministries in joint operations. Chaplains have always been an integral part of the US military. US military chaplaincies are characterized by interfaith structure and pluralistic cooperation. The role of chaplaincies is to...

Special operations (SO) differ from conventional operations in degree of physical and political risk, operational techniques, modes of employment, and dependence on detailed operational intelligence and indigenous assets. SO are conducted in all environments, but are particularly well suited for denied and politically sensitive environments. SO can be tailored to achieve not only military objectives through application of special operations forces (SOF) capabilities for which there are no broad conventional force requirements, but also to support the application of the diplomatic,...

The Department of Defense (DOD) has learned through the difficult experiences of both Iraq and Afghanistan that success is not only defined in military terms; it also involves rebuilding infrastructure, supporting economic development, establishing the rule of law, building accountable governance, establishing essential services, and building a capable host nation (HN) military responsible to civilian authority. The Department of State (DOS) is charged with responsibility for leading a whole-of-government approach to stabilization that includes the array of US Government (USG) departments and...

This publication has been prepared under the direction of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS). It sets forth joint doctrine to govern the activities and performance of the Armed Forces of the United States in joint operations and provides the doctrinal basis for interagency coordination and for US military involvement in multinational operations. It provides military guidance for the exercise of authority by combatant commanders and other joint force commanders (JFCs) and prescribes joint doctrine for operations, education, and training. It provides military guidance for use by...

This guide provides an overview of the Joint Training System(JTS) and highlights the role of senior leadership in the planning, execution, and assessment of joint training. The JTS is the command's training system. In broad terms, the JTS is designed to ensure the U.S. Armed Forces are trained and prepared to counter violent extremism, deter and defeat aggression, and strengthen international and regional security. More specifically, it provides a capabilities-based method for aligning training programs with assigned missions (GEF, GFMIG, JSCP, and UCP) consistent with command priorities,...

The "National Military Strategy" conveys my message to the Joint Force on the strategic direction the Armed Forces of the United States should follow to support the National Security and Defense Strategies in this time of war. This document describes the ways and means to protect the United States, prevent conflict and surprise attack and prevail against adversaries who threaten our homeland, deployed forces, allies and friends.