text: Foundations of Operations
  of lethal force can be a part of competition below armed conflict. Adversaries often employ cyberspace
  capabilities and information warfare to destroy or disrupt infrastructure, interfere with government processes,
  and conduct activities in a way that does not cause the United States and its allies to respond with force.
  Competition provides military forces time to prepare for armed conflict, opportunities to assure allies and
  partners of resolve and commitment, and time and space to set the necessary conditions to prevent crisis or
  conflict. Examples of competition include return of forces to Europe (known as REFORGER) exercises
  conducted during the Cold War, security assistance provided to Ukraine since 2014, and Pacific Pathways
  activities to improve readiness in the Indo-pacific region. (See Chapter 4 for a detailed discussion of Army
  forces during competition.)
  Crisis
  1-69. A crisis is an emerging incident or situation involving a possible threat to the United States, its citizens,
  military forces, or vital interests that develops rapidly and creates a condition of such diplomatic, economic,
  or military importance that commitment of military forces and resources is contemplated to achieve national
  and/or strategic objectives (JP 3-0). Commanders have to consider the possibility that overt military action
  may escalate a crisis towards armed conflict. The use of space and cyberspace capabilities provides other
  options that are less likely to cause escalation. The context of crisis is relative to an adversary, which is
  different from crisis response, which can result from a natural or human disaster. During crisis, armed conflict
  has not yet occurred, but it is either imminent or a distinct possibility that requires rapid response by forces
  prepared to fight if deterrence fails.
  Note. A crisis can be long in duration, but it can also reflect a near-simultaneous transition to
  armed conflict. Leaders do not assume that a crisis provides additional time for a transition to
  armed conflict.
  1-70. Army forces contribute to joint operations, seeking to deter further provocation and compel an
  adversary to de-escalate aggression and return to competition under conditions acceptable for the United
  States and its allies or partners. Through rapid movement and integration with the joint force, Army forces
  help signal the readiness and willingness to prevail in combat operations. When authorized, Army forces can
  inform or influence perceptions about an operation’s goals and progress to amplify effects on the ground
  during a crisis; however, commanders ensure their message aligns with reality and that their narratives are
  truthful and credible.
  1-71. Army forces help the joint force maintain freedom of action and associated positions of relative
  advantage through the activities they conduct and their presence on the ground. They operate in a way that
  disrupts adversary risk calculations about the cost of acting contrary to U.S. national interests, compels de-
  escalation, and fosters a return to competition conditions favorable to the United States. If deterrence fails to
  end a crisis, Army forces are better postured for operations during armed conflict. Examples of crisis include
  the Cuban missile crisis of 1962, Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990, North Korean missile and rocket
  provocations in 2017-2018, and the Russian attacks into Ukraine in 2014 and 2022. (See Chapter 5 for a
  detailed discussion of Army forces during crisis.)
  Armed Conflict
  1-72. Armed conflict occurs when a state or non-state actor uses lethal force as the primary means to satisfy
  its interests. Armed conflict can range from irregular warfare to conventional warfare and combinations of
  both. Entering into and terminating armed conflict is a political decision. Army forces may enter conflict
  with some advanced warning during a prolonged crisis or with little warning during competition. How well
  Army forces are prepared to enter into an armed conflict ultimately depends upon decisions and preparations
  made during competition and crisis.
  1-73. At the onset of armed conflict, forward-positioned Army forces may defend key terrain or
  infrastructure while seeking opportunities to gain the initiative or reposition to more favorable locations with
  partner forces. Army forces help JFCs gain and maintain the initiative, defeat enemy forces on the ground,
  control territory and populations, and consolidate gains to establish conditions for a political settlement
  favorable to U.S. interests. Army forces provide landpower to the joint force and conduct limited contingency