INTRODUCTIONThe principles of war are the most fundamental form of doctrine.

Represents basic guiding elements of warfare.

They are not checklist – but interrelated and interacting to provide better understanding. They should be interpreted in light of information.

PRINCIPLES OF WAR• Selection and Maintenance of the Aim.• Maintenance of Morale.• Offensive Action.• Concentration of Force.• Economy of Effort.• Security.• Surprise.• Flexibility• Cooperation.• Administration.

SELECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE AIM Define the aim with absolute clarity before op

starts. Intended to have strategic end-state. Once selected, all out efforts should be

maintained.

Govt must be clear of mil obj.

Mil Commander should be sure what to achieve.

It is imperative that the aim is maintained throughout the command.

MAINTENANCE OF MORALE

Based on clear understanding of all trg and discipline.

Responsive to good command and leadership.

OFFENSIVE ACTION A chief means for a commander to

influence the outcome of an op.

Success lies on offensive action.

Required to achieve victory, and avert defeat.

CONCENTRATION OF FORCE Concentrate superior force at decisive time and

place. Disposing them to deliver decisive blow.

Achieve what is decisive.

Decide the aim – decide the task to achieve the aim.

Concentrate the reqr force into the task until the aim is attained, if reqr, employ all the forces.

ECONOMY OF EFFORTThe corollary of concentration of force is

economy of effort.

Correct use of weapons.

Sound distribution.

No wasteful expenditure a careful balance in allocation to achieve an effective concentration.

SECURITY Physical protection and denial of

information.

Enable to achieve obj. Active measures.

Def of air force. Base. Entry point. Operational strip.

SURPRISEMost powerful influence in war.When other factors are unfavorable,

surprise is essential to success.It achieves success out of proportion.It can be achieved strategically,

operationally, tactically, or by new tech.The elements of surprise - secrecy,

concealment, deception, audacity and speed.

FLEXIBILITY Although aim is not to alter, shift point of emphasis. Change plan of actions.

Flexibility demands trust, good trg, org, discipline, staff work, rapidity of decision that time is not wasted.

It also calls for degree of mobility to ensure redeployment.

Examine overall strategic sit before taking diversionary task.

DMP.

COOPERATIONBased on team spirits.

Attain concentration & economy of effort of force through co-ord, goodwill and deceive.

Entails right balance of force effectiveness to implement the plan.

ADMINISTRATIONSound admin is the pre-requisite for

success of any operation.Logistic consideration, clear

understanding.Action sp commensurate with aim.Degrees of control commensurate to

degree of responsibility.Freedom of action to execute action plan.

SUSTAINABILITY