Which plan provides guidance to combatant commanders based on near-term military capabilities?

The Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan (JSCP) is designed to provide guidance to combatant commanders regarding the application of military capabilities in the near term. It serves as a bridge between strategy and operations, detailing how available resources and capabilities can be employed to fulfill national military objectives. By aligning military strategies with the current operational environment and capabilities, the JSCP ensures that commanders understand how to effectively leverage these assets to meet imminent challenges and objectives. This focus on near-term capabilities is essential for maintaining readiness and responsiveness in dynamic operational contexts.

In contrast, the Operational Plan (OPLAN) and Contingency Plan (CONPLAN) are more detailed and focus on specific operations, while the National Military Strategy (NMS) outlines broader strategic goals and policies. The OPLAN provides a comprehensive blueprint for a specific operation, often involving considerable detail about forces and logistics, but it is typically geared toward a longer timeline. The CONPLAN, being less detailed than an OPLAN, serves as a framework for potential operations without the same level of specificity, often addressing more hypothetical scenarios. The NMS, on the other hand, provides overarching strategic direction rather than tactical guidance. Therefore, the JSCP is the primary plan that specifically guides combatant commanders with an eye toward immediate