What are the three primary levels of war?

The three primary levels of war are Tactical, Operational, and Strategic.

The strategic level focuses on the long-term objectives and overall policies of a military campaign or conflict, guiding the allocation of resources and the direction of military efforts to achieve national goals. This level encompasses decisions made by higher command, including the government and military leaders, concerning the deployment of forces and the shaping of military alliances.

The operational level sits between the tactical and strategic levels, linking the two. It involves planning and execution of campaigns and major operations, ensuring that tactical actions align with strategic objectives. This level includes the deployment of forces and resources over time and space to achieve the desired end state in a conflict.

Tactical operations involve the actual conduct of battles and engagements, focusing on the immediate actions taken by military units on the ground or in the air. This level addresses the minutiae of combat, including troop movements, weapon use, and short-term goals during engagements.

Understanding these levels of war is essential for effective military planning and execution as it ensures coherence and unity of effort across different military commands and operations, facilitating success on the battlefield and in broader military objectives.