Translating National Objectives Into the Employment of Airpower

The United States has emerged as the only world superpower with the capability to conduct extensive global military operations. However, conducting operations without linking them to objectives leads to uncoordinated strikes and ineffective campaigns. While most theorists would agree with the necessity of linking objectives to tasks, the process of translating national strategic objectives into specific applications of power is complex. Military decision makers and warfighters at all levels must understand these processes to ensure a successful prosecution of a wide range of activities, from operations other than war to major regional conflicts.