The Capstone Concept for Joint Operations is the overarching product that guides the development of future joint capabilities. It is developed by the Joint Staff J-7 and approved by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Secretary of Defense.
"This Capstone Concept for Joint Operations describes potential operational concepts through which the Joint Force of 2020 will defend the nation against a wide range of security challenges. Its purpose is to guide force development toward Joint Force 2020, the force called for by the new defense strategic guidance, Sustaining U.S. Global Leadership: Priorities for 21st Century Defense.
A capstone concept by definition articulates a high-order vision of how the future force will operate. It cannot by itself provide the detailed guidance necessary to realize the Joint Force of 2020. It can, however, describe the future operating environment, advance new concepts for joint operations, and suggest attributes that will define the future force. In this way, the CCJO aims to establish a bridge from the new strategic guidance to subordinate concepts, force development guidance, and follow-on doctrine."
The Capstone Concept for Joint Operations (a classified document) is the overarching product that guides the development of future joint capabilities. It is developed by the Joint Staff J-7 and approved by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Secretary of Defense. For information on the family of joint concepts, see the CAC-protected Joint Electronic Library (JEL)+.