Achieving peace through strength requires the Joint Force to deter conflict through preparedness for war.

During normal day-to-day operations, the Joint Force will sustainably compete to:

• deter aggression in three key regions—the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and Middle East;
• degrade terrorist and WMD threats; and
• defend U.S. interests from challenges below the level of armed conflict.

In wartime, the fully mobilized Joint Force will be capable of: defeating aggression by a major power; deterring opportunistic aggression elsewhere; and disrupting imminent terrorist and WMD threats.

During peace or in war, the Joint Force will deter nuclear and non-nuclear strategic attacks and defend the homeland. To support these missions, the Joint Force must gain and maintain information superiority; and develop, strengthen, and sustain U.S. security relationships.