Sunday, October 12, 2008

9 Principles of WarThe nine Principles of War

Army Field Manual FM-3 Military Operations:

PRINCIPLE DEFINITION

Mass: Concentrate combat power at the decisive place and time

Objective: Direct every military operation towards a clearly defined, decisive, and attainable objective

Offensive: Seize, retain, and exploit the initiative

Surprise: Strike the enemy at a time, at a place, or in a manner for which he is unprepared

Economy of force: Allocate minimum essential combat power to secondary efforts

Maneuver: Place the enemy in a position of disadvantage through the flexible application of combat power

Unity of command: For every objective, ensure unity of effort under one responsible commander

Security: Never permit the enemy to acquire an unexpected advantage

Simplicity: Prepare clear, uncomplicated plans and clear, concise orders to ensure thorough understanding