What is "military strategy"?

Military strategy refers to the overarching plan and method by which a state or military organization aims to achieve its long-term objectives through the use of armed forces. It encompasses the planning, coordination, and execution of military operations to accomplish specific goals, which can range from winning battles to achieving political objectives during wartime. This strategic planning involves understanding the environment, assessing resources and capabilities, and factoring in the potential reactions of both allies and adversaries.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of what constitutes military strategy. While a set of rules for cadets in training may govern behavior and procedures, it does not relate to the broader concepts of strategy in military operations. Maintaining equipment is a crucial aspect of military readiness but does not represent strategic planning. Lastly, limiting discussions of military strategy to defensive postures disregards the comprehensive nature of strategy, which includes both offensive and defensive operations in pursuit of national or military goals. Thus, the correct characterization of military strategy is indeed the planning and executing of military operations to achieve objectives.