What does the term "combat power" refer to in LSCO?

The term "combat power" in the context of Large-Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) refers specifically to the total means of destruction and disruption a military force can apply. This encompasses various factors, including the quantity and quality of weapon systems, troops, logistics, and command and control capabilities that a military can leverage to achieve its objectives in combat. Understanding combat power is crucial for assessing a force's ability to effectively engage the enemy and accomplish missions.

In contrast, counting the number of troops available for deployment does not fully encapsulate the broader concept of combat power, as it does not take into account the equipment, training, and strategic positioning of those forces. Furthermore, financial resources are necessary for sustaining military operations, but they do not directly equate to combat power; resources are a means to an end rather than the end itself. Lastly, operational plans are critical for conducting operations, but they are merely the framework within which combat power is utilized; they do not define the power itself. Thus, defining combat power as the total means of destruction and disruption captures its essence and relevance in LSCO.