Joint Publication (JP) 3-0 is the keystone document in the joint operations series, and is a companion to joint doctrine's capstone JP 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States. It provides guidance to joint force commanders (JFCs) and their subordinates for planning, preparing, executing, and assessing joint military operations. Although individual Services may accomplish tasks and missions in support of Department of Defense (DOD) objectives, the primary way DOD employs two or more Services (from two Military Departments) in a single operation, particularly in combat, is through joint operations. The strategic environment is characterized by uncertainty, complexity, and rapid change, which requires persistent engagement. This environment is fluid, with continually changing alliances, partnerships, and new national and transnational threats constantly appearing and disappearing. In addition to traditional conflicts, to include emerging peer competitors, significant challenges continue to include irregular warfare (IW), catastrophic terrorism employing weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and threats to disrupt the Nation's ability to project power and maintain its qualitative edge. The strategic environment presents five broad national security challenges likely to require the employment of joint forces in the future. - A secure US homeland is the Nation's first priority. - Deterring our adversaries is a US goal. - Defending national interests requires not only being able to prevail in conflict, but also taking preventive measures to deter potential adversaries who could threaten the vital interests of the United States or its partners. - Establishing, maintaining, and enhancing security cooperation among our alliances and partners is important to strengthen the global security framework of the United States and its partners. - As it has in the past, the United States will continue to respond to a variety of civil crises by acting to relieve human suffering and restoring civil functioning, most often in support of civil authorities. of national power in a wide variety of activities, tasks, missions, and operations that vary in purpose, scale, risk, and combat intensity. Operations are grouped in three areas that compose the range of military operation. Military Engagement, Security Cooperation, and Deterrence. These are ongoing routine activities that establish, shape, maintain, and refine relations with other nations and domestic civil authorities (e.g., state governors or local law enforcement). Crisis Response and Limited Contingency Operations. These can be small-scale, limitedduration operations, such as strikes, raids, and peace enforcement, which might include combat depending on the circumstances. This publication is the keystone document of the joint operations series. It provides the doctrinal foundation and fundamental principles that guide the Armed Forces of the United States in joint operations across the range of military operations.