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The Principles of War
Objective
Direct every military operation toward a clearly defined, decisive, and attainable objective. This principle of war applies also to operations other than war. Each separate operation must be integrated with every other to contribute to the ultimate strategic aim. Leaders of disparate units, military and otherwise, must understand the strategic aims, set appropriate objectives, and ensure that they contribute to unity of effort with other agencies.
Unity of Effort
Seek unity of effort toward every objective. The principle of unity of command in war also applies to operations other than war, yet can be adapted to meet special challenges. Our military command structure is suited to achieve unity of command and effort in war. However, in operations other than war, this may be more difficult to attain. In such operations, other government agencies will often have the lead. Commanders may answer to a civilian chief, such as an ambassador, or may themselves employ the resources of a civilian agency. Command arrangements may often be only loosely defined, causing commanders to seek an atmosphere of cooperation rather than command authority to achieve objectives by unity of effort. Military commanders consider how their actions contribute to initiatives that are also political, economic, and psychological in nature.
Legitimacy
Sustain the willing acceptance by the people of the right of the government to govern or of a group or agency to make and carry out decisions. Committed forces must sustain the legitimacy of the operation and of the host government. Legitimacy derives from the perception that constituted authority is both genuine and effective and employs appropriate means for reasonable purposes. If committed forces solve an immediate problem within a nation or region but detract from the legitimacy of the government in so doing, they may have acted detrimentally against long-term, strategic aims.
Perseverance
Prepare for the measured, protracted application of military capability in support of strategic aims. Operations other than war may be of short duration or protracted. Peacetime operations may require years to achieve the desired effects. Underlying causes of confrontation and conflict rarely have a clear beginning or a decisive resolution. Commanders must assess quick contingency response options against their contribution to long-term, strategic objectives. This does not preclude decisive military action but does require careful, informed analysis to choose the right time and place for such action. Commanders balance their desire to attain objectives quickly with a sensitivity for the long-term strategic aims and the restraints placed on operations.
Restraint
Apply appropriate military capability prudently. The actions of soldiers and units are framed by the disciplined application of force, including specific ROE. In operations other than war, these ROE will be more restrictive, detailed, and sensitive to political concerns than in war. Moreover, these rules may change frequently. Restraints on weaponry, tactics, and levels of violence characterize the environment. The use of excessive force could adversely affect efforts to gain legitimacy and impede the attainment of both shortand long-term goals. Transmission of and assured understanding of ROE throughout the totality of units requires follow-through, rehearsals with situations to check understanding and compliance, and continuing brief-backs. Soldiers who thoroughly understand ROE are better prepared to act with initiative and defend themselves and members of their unit.
Security
Never permit hostile factions to acquire an unexpected advantage. The presence of US forces in nations around the world may provoke a wide range of responses by factions, groups, or forces of an unfriendly nation. Regardless of the mission, commanders must protect their forces at all times. They must be ready to counter activity that could bring harm to their units or jeopardize their mission. They should never be lulled into believing that the nonhostile intent of their mission does not put their forces at risk. Inherent in this responsibility is the need to be capable of rapid transition from a peaceful to a combat posture, should the need arise. Commanders should never be misled about the risks to their forces. The intrinsic right of self-defense always applies.