What document provides strategic direction for the U.S. Armed Forces?

The National Military Strategy (NMS) is the correct document that provides strategic direction specifically for the U.S. Armed Forces. This strategy outlines the military's role in achieving national security objectives and serves as a framework for military planning and operations. It connects the ends, ways, and means of the military, aligning military activities with the overall goals set by higher-level strategies, such as the National Security Strategy and the National Defense Strategy.

The NMS takes into account the global security environment, potential threats, and the capabilities of the U.S. military, providing guidance on how to employ military force effectively in support of national policies. Through this strategic direction, military leaders can ensure that their forces are organized, trained, and equipped to respond to various challenges and contingencies that may arise.

While the National Security Strategy focuses on the overall guidance for U.S. national security, including diplomatic and economic measures alongside military considerations, the National Defense Strategy specifically addresses how to allocate resources and prioritize actions within the defense sector. The National Policy Framework, although relevant, is less specific and does not carry the same weight of strategic direction as the NMS.