This course provides an overview of how national security strategy is translated into effective military strategy. The course addresses three central issues: (1) how our national values, interests and security strategies relate to the development of military strategy, (2) how our military is currently structured to help achieve national security objectives, and (3) an examination of future ideas and concepts in military strategy. The first part of the course focuses on historical and contemporary influences on US military strategy and the relationship of the military to the other elements of national power. Next, we focus on implementation of military strategy with an emphasis on joint force capabilities and the nine unified commands, as well as an introduction to the operational level of war. Finally, we examine the future of US military strategy focusing on emerging theories and concepts and how changing technology, world environment and threats are influencing strategic military thought. Two military strategy case studies and an integrative computer exercise are the capstone events of this course. These exercises serve as an integrative experience by requiring cadets to assimilate political, military, informational, economic, and technological factors to achieve national objectives.
