Doctrine News

LeMay Center Releases Strategic Attack and Nuclear Operations Doctrine

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. – The Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education, in collaboration with Air Force Global Strike Command, released two critical doctrine publications on August 4: Air Force Doctrine Publication (AFDP) 3-02, Strategic Attack, and AFDP 3-72, Nuclear Operations, reflecting the service's commitment to integrated deterrence and strategic capabilities across the competition continuum.

The Air Force's integrated deterrence capabilities rely on the necessity for Air Force doctrine to evolve in the changing and complex strategic environment. The publications' comprehensive updates underscore the need for both Global Precision Strike through strategic attack and a strong integrated deterrence across this dynamic global threat landscape.

As part of an effective Global Precision Strike capability, the Air Force updated AFDP 3-02, Strategic Attack.  This publication establishes comprehensive guidance for precision strike operations in contested environments, incorporating advancements in long-range strike capabilities and integration of air, cyberspace, and space operations. This strategic capability, viewed through a doctrinal lens, emphasizes adaptive planning and targeting while addressing the critical balance between centralization and decentralization in rapidly changing operational environments.

The nation’s formidable deterrent relies on a diverse set of capabilities outlined in the updated AFDP 3-72, Nuclear Operations.  This key publication provides guidance on planning and execution of Air Force nuclear operations, outlining the Air Force's role in the broader nuclear enterprise and emphasizing integrated deterrence through all instruments of national power. This publication outlines vital integrated deterrence capabilities, including nuclear and conventional forces, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and cyber, for application in Great Power Competition.

"The global environment will continue to shift, and our doctrine must keep pace with those changes to deliver a credible, capable nuclear deterrent," said Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. "Our Nation's nuclear triad enables global freedom of maneuver for our joint forces. Every operational plan assumes our capabilities deter adversary use of nuclear weapons."

These updates emphasize the Air Force’s commitment to its integrated deterrence capabilities as both a credible threat and application of force across the competition continuum. As offensive actions, strategic capabilities are inherently associated with compellence and forcible action, while the ability to conduct these operations creates deterrent effects essential for national security.

"If deterrence fails, we are ready to execute objectives as directed by the President of the United States. This is a critical, no-fail mission," said Bussiere.

Formalizing these doctrinal updates continue the Air Force foundational guidance supporting joint operations while addressing unique contributions these strategic capabilities bring to unified campaigns, preparing forces for operational environments characterized by peer competitors and advanced defensive systems.

The LeMay Center is responsible for development, dissemination and implementation of Air Force doctrine and is conducting a full doctrine review supporting Air Force re-optimization for Great Power Competition. Visit https://www.doctrine.af.mil/ for more information.

 

 

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