"CIP activities consist of the identification, prioritization, assessment, and security enhancement of infrastructure network assets essential to mobilize, deploy, and sustain DOD military operations. DCI generally consists of physical (installations, power projection platforms, etc.), and nonphysical (electronic information) assets. The increasing interconnectivity and interdependence among commercial and defense infrastructures demand that DOD also take steps to understand the vulnerabilities of, and threats to, the critical infrastructures on which it depends for mission assurance. The DCIP is a fully integrated program that provides a comprehensive process for understanding and protecting selected infrastructure assets that are critical to national security during peace, crisis, and war. It involves identifying, prioritizing, assessing, protecting, monitoring, and assuring the reliability and availability of mission-critical infrastructures essential to the execution of the NMS. The program also addresses the operational decision support necessary for combatant commanders to achieve their mission objectives despite the degradation or absence of these infrastructures". (JCS/DoD, Homeland Security (JP 3-26), 2005, p. III-6)