Nine Principles of War
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Transcript of Nine Principles of War
Nine Principles of War
9 Principles which Govern All Tactical Operations
• Originally published in 1912
• They are present in every tactical situation whether we recognize them or not
• Equivalent of learning the alphabet for reading, or the multiplication tables for mathematics
• Are part of a much larger body of doctrine
ManeuverObjectiveOffenseSimplicityEconomy of Force
Nine Principles of War
MassUnity of CommandSurpriseSecurity
• Movement of personnel and support to gain an advantage
• Requires flexibility and mobility♦ Flexibility in thought and mind♦ Mobility is required to provide prompt actions
and reactions
Maneuver
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Objective• Every mission must be directed towards a precisely defined and clearly described objective.
• Often called the “master” or “controlling” principle because it is the basis from which all plansare formed.
bjective
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Offensive action is necessary to achieve decisive results and attain final success.
Defense is not a principle!
Every tactical operation carries the implied objective of imposing the will of the commander.
Offense
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A simple direct plan will usually succeed.
Occam’s Razor — “The simplest solution is usually the right one.”
The best plan can not be implemented if it can not be understood!
Simplicity
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This principle requires skillful and prudent of use of available forces with a minimum of power at
other than the decisive time and place.
Since no commander has unlimited resources, some conservation will always be necessary.
Economy of Force
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The concentration of superior power at the point and time of decision.
Mass is the corollary of economy of force.
Mass5
In any tactical situation, there is a point at which a final decision must be made. That decision
must be made by a single authority!
Nothing is so important in war as anundivided command!
~Napoleon
Unity of CommandMOOSE
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• Surprise is achieved by “striking” at an unanticipated time or place, or in an unexpected manner.
• Surprise can attain results beyond all proportion of the efforts to attain it.
Surprise can be the key element in conflicts!
Surprise
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• Security is essential to the preservation of power.
• Plans known are plans defeated!
• Security enhances freedom of action by reducing friendly vulnerability to hostile acts, influence or surprise.
Security
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Questions?