The decision to move to another phase of the campaign is typically defined by what condition?

The decision to transition to another phase of a campaign is fundamentally driven by the achievement of established objectives or as a response to enemy actions. This aspect emphasizes the strategic planning process, where specific goals are articulated at the outset of a campaign. As these objectives are met, or in reaction to the adversary's tactics and operations, the commander assesses the situation and determines whether it is appropriate to shift to the next phase.

This approach ensures that operations are coherent and that each phase is directly aligned with the overarching strategic goals. Transitioning based on objective achievement reflects a results-oriented mindset that is critical in joint air operations, where the focus is on effective engagement and tactical adjustments in response to the evolving battlefield scenario.

While other factors such as resource availability, commander’s preferences, and weather conditions can influence operational decisions, they are secondary to the fundamental military principle that actions should be dictated primarily by mission success as articulated through the established objectives and responses required to counter enemy actions.