In the military of the United States, strikes and raids are a group of military operations that, alongside quite a number of others, come under the formal umbrella of military operations other than war (MOOTW).[1][2] What the definition of a military strike is depends on which particular branch of the military is using them.[3] However, they do have formal, general, definitions in the United States Department of Defense's Joint Publication 1-02:[3]
strike
An attack to damage or destroy an objective or a capability.[4]
raid
An operation to temporarily seize an area in order to secure information, confuse an adversary, capture personnel or equipment, or to destroy a capability culminating with a planned withdrawal.[5]
Bonn, Keith E.; Baker, Anthony E. (2000). Guide to Military Operations Other Than War: Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Stability and Support Operations : Domestic and International. Stackpole Books. ISBN9780811729390.
Vego, Milan N. (2009). Joint Operational Warfare Theory and Practice and V. 2, Historical Companion. U.S. Naval War College Press. ISBN9781884733628.
Johnson, David E.; Mueller, Karl P.; Taft, William H. (2002). Conventional Coercion Across the Spectrum of Operations: The Utility of U.S. Military Forces in the Emerging Security Environment. Rand Corporation. ISBN9780833032201.
Vick, Alan (1997). Preparing the U.S. Air Force for Military Operations Other Than War. Rand Corporation. ISBN9780833024923.