Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Military) A warning prior to the start of a threatening act: A strategic warning is an alert or indication that a potential adversary is preparing to initiate a hostile action or major operation. It focuses on intent and preparation, allowing time for diplomatic or military counter-preparation before the act itself begins.

Usage

• Strategic warning is a formal term used primarily in military, intelligence, and national security contexts.
• It is often contrasted with tactical warning, which is a warning that a hostile act is imminent or has already begun.
• The term is typically used as a countable noun (e.g., , ).

Examples

• The intelligence agency provided a strategic warning about the mobilization of enemy forces, giving the government weeks to respond.
• A clear strategic warning of the invasion allowed for the evacuation of non-essential personnel.
• Despite receiving multiple strategic warnings, the council failed to authorize preventative measures.

Advanced Usage

• "to issue a strategic warning": The act of formally communicating the warning.
  • The committee decided to issue a strategic warning to allied nations.
• "strategic warning time": The period between the receipt of a strategic warning and the anticipated start of the hostile act.
  • The general estimated they had a strategic warning time of about ten days.

Variants and Related Words

• Strategic (adj): Relating to the identification of long-term or overall aims and interests and the means of achieving them.
  • The board discussed the company's strategic direction.
• Warning (n): A statement or event that indicates a possible or impending danger, problem, or other unpleasant situation.
  • The weather service issued a storm warning.
• Tactical warning (n): (Military) A warning that a hostile action is imminent or has begun.

Synonyms

• Advance notice
• Forewarning
• Alert

Related Phrases

• Early warning: Often used similarly but can be broader, not exclusively military (e.g., early warning system for tsunamis).
  • The early warning of the financial crisis was ignored.
• Indications and warnings (I&W): A military/intelligence term encompassing both strategic and tactical alerts.
  • The team's job is to monitor for indications and warnings of hostile intent.

Noun

1. (military) a warning prior to the start of a threatening act