* '''Transition operations''' bridge the gap between regional and adaptive operations and contain some elements of both. The country continues to pursue its regional goals while dealing with developing outside intervention that has the potential to overmatch its military.

* '''Adaptive operations''' preserve the country’s power and apply it in adaptive ways against opponents that overmatch the country’s military.

Each type of operation aggregates the effects of tactical, operational, and strategic actions in conjunction with instruments of national power to achieve the country’s strategic goals. The types of operations employed at a given time will depend on the types of threats, opportunities, and other conditions present.