What is the primary method by which the Department of Defense (DOD) conducts operations involving multiple military services?

The primary method by which the Department of Defense (DOD) conducts operations involving multiple military services is through Joint Operations. This approach integrates forces from the different branches of the armed services—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard—to work collaboratively towards a common mission objective.

Joint Operations are guided by doctrine that emphasizes unity of effort, interoperability, and the integration of diverse capabilities. By coordinating the strengths and specialties of each service, the DOD ensures that operations are more effective and efficient. This method enables real-time collaboration and tactical synchronizations that are essential for successful outcomes in complex operational environments.

Other options, such as Coalition Operations, typically refer to partnerships and alliances with foreign military forces, and Combined Operations involve cooperation between different nation-states' military forces. Task Force Missions are often more specific and can be a subset of either joint or combined operations, rather than a holistic approach like Joint Operations. Thus, Joint Operations stand out as the most inclusive and fundamental strategy for conducting operations across multiple military services within the DOD.