What are the three levels of warfare?

The three levels of warfare are strategic, operational, and tactical, which are integral components of military strategy and planning.

At the strategic level, the focus is on broader national or coalition objectives, guiding the overall direction of military campaigns and aligning military objectives with political goals. This level encompasses long-term planning and resource allocation aimed at achieving overarching missions that influence the outcome of conflicts.

The operational level serves as a bridge between strategy and tactics. It concentrates on how to effectively deploy and coordinate forces to achieve the strategic objectives set forth. This includes planning and conducting campaigns and major operations, ensuring that tactical actions are aligned with the higher strategic goals.

Tactical warfare involves the immediate and localized engagement of forces in combat. This level encompasses the execution of missions and battles, where individual units engage the enemy and employ various weapons systems and maneuvers to achieve specific objectives on the battlefield.

Understanding these levels is crucial for military leaders as they develop plans that translate strategic intentions into actionable operations and tactical engagements.