Strategies to tasks is a framework for force planning consisting of a hierarchy of objectives. This framework provides an audit trail from the broadest national objectives down to operational activities at the tactical engagement level. The framework is blind to Service and system. Strategies to tasks can benefit the Services in at least four ways by: 1) helping the Services understand and communicate how their activities support security needs; 2) serving as a common frame of reference for the Services so that all can "sing from the same sheet of music;" 3) providing a structure for assessing tradeoffs between operational alternatives; and 4) assisting in the development of new concepts for enhancing the nation's military capabilities.