Inadequate Means

Inadequate “means” to execute desired “ways” creates risk in achieving the desired “ends”. Successful planners ensure a balance of ends, ways and means to avoid or mitigate risk. (CPH, 53) When policy makers fail to understand the limits of the military element of national power and apply the military as a “means” to achieve an end beyond the capability of the military it creates risk.

The ultimate purpose of the U.S. military is to fight wars. (JP-1, I-13) However, the military is employed across the “Range of Military Operations,” which is divided into three broad categories, “Major Operations and Campaigns” (war), “Crisis response and Limited Contingency Operations” (Less than war) and “Military Engagement, Security Cooperation and Deterrence”