The 9 Principles of War
Objective
All Military operation must be directed towards one objective.
The goal of war is to destroy the enemy's armed forces along with their will to fight. However, the overall objective might be more difficult to define; nonetheless, they too must be clear from the beginning. All objectives of War, regardless of importance, should be clearly spelled out. Each operation must contribute to the overall objective.
Offensive
Offensive action is the most effective and decisive way to define a common objective. Offensive operations are when a military force seizes and holds the initiative while maintaining freedom of action and achieving positive results. This is fundamentally true across all levels of war.
Mass
Mass is the effects of overwhelming combat power at a specific place and time.
Combining all the elements of combat power where they will have a specific effect on an enemy force in a short period of time is to achieve mass. To mass is to hit the enemy hard with a closed fist, not poke at him with fingers. Mass must also be sustained so the effects have long lasting power. Thus, mass seeks to quickly crush the enemy. This is a result of the proper combination of combat power along with the proper application of other principles of war. Massing effects can enable small forces to achieve decisive results.
Economy of Force
Economy of force is the empioyment and distribution of forces. No part of the force should ever be left without purpose. All parts must act when the time comes for action. The employment of all available combat power to tasks such as limited attacks, defense, delays, deception, is measured in order to achieve mass at the decisive point and time on the battlefield.
Maneuver
Placing the enemy in a position of disadvantage by applying combat power.
Maneuver is the movement of forces in relation to the enemy to gain an advantage. An effective maneuver keeps the enemy off balance. It is used to exploit successes, to preserve freedom of action, and to reduce vulnerability. It continually poses new problems for the enemy by making his actions ineffective, eventually leading to defeat.
Unity of Command
At all levels of war, employment of military forces in a manner that masses combat power toward a common goal requires unity of command and unity of effort. Unity of command means that all the forces are under one commander. unity of command requires a single commander with authority to direct all forces in pursuit of one purpose.
Security
Never allow the enemy to gain an unexpected advantage.
Security enhances freedom of action by reducing vulnerability to hostile acts, influence, or surprise. Security results from the measures taken to protect forces. Knowledge and understanding of enemy strategy, tactics, doctrine, and staff planning improve security measures. Risk is inherent in war; however, commanders must not be overly cautious. To be successful, commanders must take necessary, risks to defeat the enemy. Protecting the force increases combat power.
Surprise
Strike the enemy at a time or place when he is unprepared.
Surprise can shift the balance of combat power. By seeking surprise, forces can achieve success. Rapid advances in surveillance technology and mass communication make it increasingly difficult to mask large-scale movement of personnel and equipment. The enemy dosnt need to be taken completely by surprise but only become aware too late to react effectively. Factors contributing to surprise include speed, effective intelligence, deception, application of unexpected combat power, operations security (OPSEC), and other tactics and methods of operation. Deception can aid the chances of achieving surprise.
Simplicity
Prepare clear, uncomplicated orders to ensure understanding.
Simplicity contributes to successful operations. Simple plans and clear, concise orders minimize misunderstanding and confusionThe simplest plan is better. Simplicity is especially valuable when soldiers and leaders are tired. Simplicity in plans allows better understanding allowing all branches to be more easily understood and executed.
