What is the second priority of the National Military Strategy?

The second priority of the National Military Strategy is focused on strategic discipline. This priority emphasizes the importance of maintaining a disciplined approach to the use of military power, ensuring that actions align with national objectives and reflect a commitment to responsible military engagement. Strategic discipline underscores the need for coherence in military operations and the careful allocation of resources to ensure effectiveness and deterrence in a complex global environment.

The concept reflects an understanding that military actions must not only be decisive but also must uphold broader strategic goals, including ethical considerations and international norms. This aspect is crucial for maintaining credibility and support both domestically and internationally.

In contrast, while strategic influence, national interest promotion, and military readiness are all significant components of the National Military Strategy, they do not hold the same position of priority. Strategic influence pertains to the ability to shape outcomes in favor of national interests, military readiness speaks to the preparedness of forces to respond to threats, and national interest promotion encompasses the broader aims of ensuring security, prosperity, and values on a global scale. However, without strategic discipline to guide these efforts effectively, achieving these goals could become misguided.