This publication, "Countering Air and Missile Threats (Joint Publication 3-01)," provides doctrine for joint counterair operations and protection against air and missile threats across the range of military operations. Counterair integrates offensive and defensive operations to attain and maintain a desired degree of air superiority and protection by neutralizing or destroying enemy aircraft and missiles, both before and after launch. Integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) is an evolving approach that uses the counterair framework at the theater level. IAMD emphasizes the integration of offensive counterair (OCA) attack operations, defensive counterair (DCA) operations, and other capabilities as required to create the joint force commander's (JFC's) desired effects. The IAMD approach also encompasses global strike and global missile defense beyond the theater level. The counterair mission integrates both offensive and defensive operations, by all capable joint force components, and counters the air and missile threat by attaining and maintaining the degree of air superiority and protection desired by the JFC. Generally, OCA operations seek to dominate enemy airspace and prevent the launch of threats, while DCA operations defeat enemy air and missile threats attempting to penetrate or attack through friendly airspace. Integrating a mixture of capabilities from components bolsters the friendly force potential and likely will frustrate the enemy's ability to defend itself. Synchronization of OCA and DCA operations is vital to avoid duplication of effort and help prevent fratricide. Expanded technology and proliferation of missiles, including cruise missiles (CMs), ballistic missiles (BMs), and air-to-surface missiles (ASMs), expand the scope and complexity of protecting friendly forces and vital interests. The detection capabilities, engagement ranges, mobility, and lethality of surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems and fighter aircraft have significantly increased the air and missile defenses (AMDs) of US adversaries. CMs and unmanned aircraft also present elusive targets and are difficult to detect, identify, and engage. Proliferation of advanced technologies for missiles, guidance systems, and weapons of mass destruction warheads has increased the potential missile threat to the homeland. Although this publication primarily focuses on countering theater air and missile threats (i.e., those affecting an overseas geographic combatant commander's (GCC's) AOR/a subordinate JFC's joint operations area JOA]), those forces and capabilities employed by overseas GCCs also may support a layered defense beginning in the forward areas against strategic air and missile threats to the homeland. Strategic planning documents task each GCC with some form of missile defense and the employment of appropriate force should deterrence fail. Commander, United States Strategic Command is responsible for synchronizing planning for global missile defense and coordinating global missile defense operations support. Global ballistic missile defense is the overarching characterization of the cumulative (worldwide) planning and coordination for those defensive capabilities designed to neutralize, destroy, or reduce the effectiveness of enemy BM attacks whether within or across the boundaries of any GCC's AOR. This publication has been prepared under the direction of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 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 the Armed Forces in preparing their appropriate plans.