Army's New Operational Guidance Defines Four Elements of Land Power

The U.S. Army has released How the Army Fights, operational warfighting guidance meant to give the force a common framework for turning tactical wins into campaign-level advantage for the Joint Force. Soldier Systems Daily published the Army Public Affairs announcement.

Key points

• Origin: Developed by the Army's Vice Chief of Staff, the guidance builds on multidomain operations doctrine and explains how the Army applies land power at the operational level.
• Four elements: Convergence (synchronizing effects across domains), Strike (lethal and nonlethal fires at range), Close Battle (defeating enemy forces and seizing key terrain) and Endurance (posturing, protecting and projecting combat power over time and distance).
• How they fit: According to the Army, Convergence and Endurance set the conditions, while Strike and Close Battle deliver the decisive effects.
• Technology: The document covers integrating uncrewed systems, AI-enabled tools, resilient networks and precision fires, while stressing Soldier judgment, discipline and leadership.
• Priorities: It directs readiness for the pacing threat, protection of the homeland, which it calls a strategic base for power projection, and closer work with allies and partners on posture, interoperability and resilience.

Quick take

Acting Secretary of the Army Adam Telle said the guidance gives the Army a clear framework to focus its efforts. Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Christopher C. LaNeve said technology will extend the Army's reach, but that war is still "a human contest of wills." The document is unclassified and available for download on Army.mil.

Read the full story at Soldier Systems Daily.