History Nine Principles of War

History Nine Principles of War

Introduction

The principles of war explain the most essential factors in the war strategy, which can affect the operatiosn of the war in terms of its operatiosn and tactical approaches (Field Manual 3-0, Operations). The battle operations of the armed forces are based on the principles of war, which lays out certain non-physical factors that have to be considered in the battlefield. These principles are crucial to succeed in planning for the military operations as well as for succ3essful actions in the battlefield, where every move matters a lot of deal to the parties involved. Leaders and fighters have continuously sought ways in order to “fight” strong battles and conduct wars in the most effective manner. From the old tacticians of Greek and Chinese origin to the British, American, German, and French of the recent era, military leaders strived to formulate principles and regulations that could guarantee success or at least, a fair play in the war fields.

The army included these principles into its training and field manuals, followed by the World War II. Recent developments made certain alterations in the principles, in the form of adding three more principles to the traditional list. The principles continue today as the cornerstone of Army operations. It is essential to know these principles well, before stepping into the field and being a part of planning for warfare.

Thesis Statement

Critical thinking and Decision-making being the essential elements of war; these principles provide, not a checklist, but a range of elements that can assist in planning form wars.

History of the Formulation of Principles of War

The art of war and military sciences are forever dynamic and ever-changing. As fighters begin to explore methods of combating the enemy, they seem to come up with newer ways of modern wars that are better and more assertive in gaining victory over the enemies. The formulation of war strategies is as old as 2,500 years. One of the most prominent names in military strategists was that of a Chinese legendary general Sun Tzu, who lived about 500-400 B.C. His seminal work entitled “The Art of War” is still taken as a manual for guidance for fighting in war times. After his times, the emperor of France, Napoleon Bonaparte was another contributor to war strategies that are still being utilized today. However, it was the World War I that led to the formal development of the principles of war. Followed by World War II, the Army modified the principels in its Field Service Regulations: Operations to alter them and encompass more information into them. This marked the recognition of the principles, officially, as “the bedrock of Army doctrine.” The armed forced of the United Sates is a perfect example of a doctrinally-led army, that have successfully employed all these principles in its war strategy, winning over the enemy in multiple chances.

Principles of War (Acronym: MOOSE MUSS)

The principles of war, as laid out in the manual, are as follows:

Mass

Objective

Offensive

Security

Economy of Force

Maneuver

Unity ...