What joint publication serves as the core guidance for unified force operations?

The core guidance for unified force operations is found in JP 3-0, which addresses joint operations as a whole. This publication outlines the principles and strategies for conducting joint military operations, emphasizing the need for integration across different branches and levels of command to achieve unified objectives. It covers the full range of operations, including the planning, execution, and assessment phases, ensuring that all components work together effectively in pursuit of common goals.

JP 1 serves as the foundational publication for the joint force and details the roles and responsibilities of the joint force elements, but it does not specifically focus on joint operational procedures. Meanwhile, JP 5-0 is centered on joint planning, providing guidance on the planning process itself. JP 4-0, on the other hand, focuses on logistics and sustainment, which are essential but do not represent the overarching guidance for unified operations as covered in JP 3-0. Thus, while JP 1 is important, it does not provide the comprehensive operational guidance that JP 3-0 does.