Which level of command is typically responsible for developing joint operation plans?

The operational level of command is responsible for developing joint operation plans as it serves as the bridge between the strategic and tactical levels. At this level, commanders and their staffs focus on the planning and execution of campaigns and major operations designed to achieve national or military objectives.

Operational planners integrate capabilities from various services and allies, ensuring that resources are employed effectively to achieve desired outcomes on the battlefield. They translate strategic directives into operational plans that detail the who, what, when, where, and how of military operations. This includes considerations for coordination across different branches of the military, as well as potential joint actions with coalition partners.

In contrast, the tactical level is concerned with the execution of specific tasks and missions on the battlefield, focusing on details and immediate objectives. The strategic level, while essential for setting overarching goals and policy, does not typically engage in the direct planning of operations; that responsibility is delegated to the operational level. The field level is less commonly referenced in formal military doctrine and primarily refers to units deployed on the ground. Thus, the operational level is distinctly positioned to handle the complexities of developing joint operation plans.