In a military context, what does the term “capability” refer to?

In a military context, the term "capability" refers to the effectiveness of the joint force, encompassing not just the physical assets or resources available, but also the ability to conduct operations successfully and achieve desired outcomes. This includes the integration of various branches of the military, their collective strengths, and how they can work together to fulfill strategic objectives.

Capabilities are assessed based on various factors such as readiness, training, technology, and the ability to adapt to changing operational environments. A capable joint force can respond rapidly to threats and challenges, execute complex missions, and maintain overall security and stability.

While resources available for training, tangible assets of each branch, and rank structure contribute to the overall capability, they do not encapsulate the holistic view of what capability means in a joint military context. The core of capability lies in the operational effectiveness and the capacity to conduct joint operations successfully.