What defines the standards that must be met before joint operations can be concluded?

The standards that must be met before joint operations can be concluded are defined by termination criteria. Termination criteria establish specific conditions that indicate when military objectives have been achieved to the extent that operations can be safely concluded. These criteria ensure that all necessary measures have been taken to accomplish the desired end state and that the associated risks have been effectively managed.

Termination criteria serve as a critical reference point for commanders, providing a clear framework for decision-making throughout the operation. They help in assessing progress towards objectives and guide the transition from combat operations to post-conflict stability and reconstruction efforts. This established measure ensures that operations are not concluded prematurely or without sufficient justification.

Operational plans outline how the mission will be executed but do not define the specific standards for concluding operations. Combat readiness refers to the preparedness of forces to engage in operations, while mission objectives focus on what needs to be achieved during the operation without specifying when to conclude. Thus, termination criteria are key to determining the successful completion of joint operations.