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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10

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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9

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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8

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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7

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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6

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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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4

• 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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3

• 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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2

Questions?