The US joint force continuously attempts to meet policy aimed at the survival and prosperity of the nation. The dialog between the policy maker and military adviser requires a broader and deeper understanding to align strategy and means to constantly shifting policy. This monograph employs an interdisciplinary qualitative chronological case study of the Iraq war from the initial attack in 2003 through the end of the "Surge" in 2008. It examines the joint force's attempt to adapt to policy with the means available, and the strategy that emerged. Understanding the complexity of local to global interaction and relationships from the singular individual to international and trans-national institutions can assist adaptation. The joint force adapted in Iraq from 2007 to 2008 to the operational environment and US policy aims. Contents: Section I. Introduction Section II. Historical Case Analysis: Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003-2006 Policy Aims Section III. Historical Case Analysis: Operation Iraqi Freedom 2007-2008 "The Surge" Section IV. Conclusion The United States faces significant security challenges in the twenty-first century. The assumption is that risk may aggregate across time to the point of eventually presenting an unassailable existential threat to the United States. Consequently, the imperative to lead the international community exists while adapting to new national security challenges and opportunities. Despite tactical dominance in the last fifteen years of war against violent extremist organizations and oppressive regimes, public perception of strategic failure lingers. Attacks on the US homeland and allies, global economic issues, weapons proliferation, severe global infectious diseases and potential pandemic, climate change, energy security, and failing states or instability in the international order are samples of the pervasive considerations in the global security environment, the complex system, within which the US joint force interacts. To successfully address this range of dynamic strategic threats and opportunities, the US joint force needs to continuously adapt to meet policy aimed at the survival and prosperity of the state. Understanding the complexity of local to global interaction from the singular individual to international and trans-national institutions can assist that adaptation. Future adaptation by the joint force depends on better conceptualizing complexity while still aligning ethically, morally, and statutorily with the US National Security Strategy's four focus areas of security, economic prosperity, respect for human values, and international order.