Joint Concept for Competing

Abstract: Recognizing the shift toward strategic competition in the international security environment, on 10 February 2023, GEN Milley approved the Joint Concept for Competing (JCC) – a multi-year effort conducted by the Department of Defense to address the Joint Force role in strategic competition across the spectrum of conflict. Our adversaries have implemented approaches below the level of armed conflict that avoid deterrent tripwires; they aim to achieve strategic objectives and "win without fighting." The JCC argues that the Joint force must expand both its competitive approaches and competitive mindset by thinking about its role in strategic competition differently and acknowledge that it may not be the lead agency in competition. The JCC provides the Joint Force with a framework for how to adapt and expand the Joint Force competitive mindsets beyond warfighting; address partners' interests, objectives, and issues; and accept a critical but supporting role in strategic competition.

Bio: Ms. Lauren Lyons serves as the deputy director for the Office of Irregular Warfare and Competition. She leads teams performing Irregular Warfare (IW) analyses and assessments that inform executive decisions and advice to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs (CJCS) concerning IW and strategic competition and provides recommendations to leadership on improving Joint Force Development-related programs and projects. Ms. Lyons represented the Joint Staff in the Harvard Senior Executive Fellows Program. As a fellow, Ms. Lyons learned practical effective leadership skills in areas such as negotiation, persuasion, problem resolution, and decision making. Previously she was an Associate at Booz Allen Hamilton. In this capacity, Ms. Lyons served as an Irregular Warfare Analyst conducting data research and technical writing for a Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff directed task.