Doctrine

The fundamental principles by which the military forces or elements thereof guide their actions in support of national objectives. It is authoritative but requires judgment in application.

  In practice, as leaders develop strategies for particular contingencies, political, economic, or social considerations may dictate strategic and operational approaches that modify or depart from accepted doctrine. If policy seriously affects the application of doctrine, military commanders should describe for political leaders the military consequences of those adaptations

   Vital national interests, major interests, and peripheral interests are all considered when making national objectives.

·         National objectives

·         Grand strategy

·         Military strategy

·         Operational strategy

·         Battlefield strategy

External factors that influence the strategy process

• Threats
• domestic politics
• physical environment
• economics
• technology
• leadership
• culture/ society
• international policy
• geography
• doctrine
• fog, friction, chance