What are the three levels of war recognized by military strategy?

The three levels of war recognized by military strategy are strategic, operational, and tactical.

Strategic warfare focuses on the overall goals and objectives of a nation or military force in war. It involves long-term planning and the allocation of resources to achieve broader political or military outcomes. This level addresses the big picture, including national policies and alliances, and shapes the direction of military efforts.

Operational warfare sits in the middle ground, translating strategic goals into specific operations. It involves planning and conducting campaigns and major operations to achieve desired objectives within the context set by strategic considerations. The operational level connects tactical engagements with broader strategic aspirations, ensuring that battles and smaller engagements contribute effectively to the overall campaign.

Tactical warfare is concerned with the immediate actions taken on the battlefield. It involves decision-making in combat and the execution of specific missions to achieve localized objectives. This level emphasizes the direct engagement of forces and the use of resources in the field to accomplish tasks within operational plans.

The recognition of these three distinct levels is essential for understanding how military forces plan and execute campaigns, ensuring coherence from the highest strategic aspirations down to the execution of missions on the ground.