Military Mission Areas Framework
Dissuade, Deter, Defend, and Defeat
The Military Mission Areas Framework is a structured approach to military operations in combating WMD. It consists of eight mission areas: offensive operations, elimination, interdiction, active defense, passive defense, WMD consequence management, security cooperation and partner activities, and threat reduction cooperation. The framework requires the military to work closely with domestic agencies, allies, and partners to dissuade, deter, defend against, and defeat those who seek to harm the United States and its partners through WMD use or threat of use.
- The military must be prepared to conduct a range of operations to combat WMD.
- The military must work closely with domestic agencies, allies, and partners to combat WMD.
- The military must be able to adapt to changing circumstances and threats in combating WMD.
- Conduct Offensive OperationsConduct kinetic and non-kinetic operations to deter or defeat a WMD threat or subsequent use of WMD.Pro tipEnsure that offensive operations are coordinated with other stakeholders to maximize their impact.WarningFailure to conduct effective offensive operations can limit the ability to deter or defeat WMD threats.
- Conduct Elimination OperationsSystematically locate, characterize, secure, disable, and/or destroy a State or non-State actor's WMD programs and related capabilities in hostile or uncertain environments.Pro tipEnsure that elimination operations are conducted in a way that minimizes risk to civilians and the environment.WarningFailure to conduct effective elimination operations can limit the ability to reduce or eliminate the WMD threat.
- Conduct Interdiction OperationsStop the transit of WMD, delivery systems, associated and dual-use technologies, materials, and expertise between States of concern and between State and non-State actors.Pro tipEnsure that interdiction operations are coordinated with other stakeholders to maximize their impact.WarningFailure to conduct effective interdiction operations can limit the ability to prevent the proliferation of WMD.
- Conduct Active Defense OperationsConduct operations to defend against WMD attacks, including the use of active defense systems and other measures to protect personnel and equipment.Pro tipEnsure that active defense operations are coordinated with other stakeholders to maximize their impact.WarningFailure to conduct effective active defense operations can limit the ability to defend against WMD attacks.
The U.S. military conducted a range of operations in Iraq to combat WMD, including offensive operations, elimination operations, and interdiction operations.
The international community has come together to form a partnership to combat WMD proliferation, leveraging military operations and other measures to prevent the spread of WMD.
The Military Mission Areas Framework was developed in response to the growing threat of WMD proliferation and the need for effective military operations to combat WMD. It is based on the recognition that combating WMD requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that leverages the strengths of multiple stakeholders.