Strategy is an instrument of management by the state in defence policy. This chapter introduces the discussions of policy, strategy and tactical doctrines. The theme of strategy as a form of management is fairly common in modern writings, and able to provide important insights into military functioning. It is certainly important to be able to distinguish between policy and strategy, but this should be done in terms of the nature of decisions confronted under the different headings. Military organisations are directed by strategic decisions, but they also participate in developing them so that the decisions are strongly shaped by the organisations’ existing structures, traditions, precepts and preferences, and perhaps by the social origins, education and general outlook of their leading officers. The military has ideological functions within society, often serving as a model for behaviour, organisation and ideology.