What should commanders evaluate when determining the "necessity" of military force?

When evaluating the "necessity" of military force, commanders must primarily consider the level of threat faced. The assessment of threat is crucial because it directly influences the decision to engage in military action. Commanders need to ascertain whether the situation at hand poses a significant risk to national security, allied interests, or humanitarian concerns. This threat evaluation helps determine if military intervention is warranted to protect lives, uphold stability, or counter aggression.

By focusing on the level of threat, commanders can weigh the potential consequences of action versus inaction, ensuring that any deployment of military force is a proportional response to the circumstances. Understanding the nature and severity of the threat helps to justify the necessity for force, ensuring that military actions align with overarching strategic goals and objectives.

While factors such as the availability of resources, civilian opinions, and the anticipated duration of conflict are important considerations in the broader context of military operation planning, they serve more as supporting elements rather than primary determinants of necessity. The intrinsic need to respond to an immediate or escalating threat is what drives the decision-making process regarding the use of military force.